General Learning Style (ESFP)

Students with this learning style learn best by experiencing, doing and memorising, and they are interested in the practical use to which they can put ideas.

New experiences excite them and as a consequence they tend to plunge into subjects, learning as they go. Their interest is maintained by variety, sensory stimulation and active participation, and they thus benefit from short, entertaining presentations, 'on-the-job' training that has immediate applications, and practical or experiential workshops.

Demonstrations and practical examples are of more use to them than theory, discussion or study, though they do enjoy collecting facts and figures, and are likely to have a wealth of general knowledge. Their attention span may be quite short, so written exercises, routine, detailed tasks, targets and highly structured programmes tend to lose their interest.

They enjoy interacting with other learners and gain much by discussion, sharing experiences and competition (for instance, team contests). Group feedback sessions, and periods in which they can reflect upon, summarise and integrate what they have learnt, enable them to turn abstract information into something more real. Their thought processes are clarified by the act of verbalising them, so talking is a vital part of their learning. They are sensitive to both positive and negative feedback, with the former acting as a strong motivation to learn.

As learners, they:

• prefer loose, unstructured teaching
• enjoy personal involvement and participation
• learn by doing
• are less interested in abstract theories than in practical knowledge that has benefit for other people
• are unlikely to explore untried ideas or methods
• may need to develop judgement, criticism and objectivity
• respond to hands-on training, demonstrations and real-world examples

They learn best when:

• given positions of leadership or responsibility, for example coaching others, demonstrating techniques, organising team members etc.
• emotionally engaged by a subject, or can relate it to their personal interests and values
• there is an emphasis on teamwork and co-operation
• there is an open and lively atmosphere
• they can link what they are learning to 'real-world' problems
• there are plenty of opportunities for co-operative interaction, dialogue and group discussion
• there is plenty of 'hands-on' training or examples, and that they can put into practice what they have learnt
• ideas are presented imaginatively or in an multi-sensory manner, for example using dramatisation or presentations that include music, video, movement etc.
• learning is experienced as fun, e.g. it includes games, role-playing, experimentation, plenty of stimulation and interaction, as well as 'free time' for assimilating ideas

They are challenged when:

• the learning environment is dull, un-stimulating and rigid, with few opportunities to participate
• the focus is on theory, analysis, facts and figures
• having to collate large amounts of data
• required to work alone, for example reading, writing, reflecting, researching
• accuracy, precision, thoroughness and adherence to rules are valued above creativity, involvement and skill
• presented with too many distractions or alternatives and not being set clear goals or targets

College Learning Style

Students with this learning style have fun. They like to live life to its fullest and are great company. Good natured and openly friendly, they are very curious about what they can see, hear, and known firsthand. They then find ways to adapt to what they've noticed, and are good at getting others to adapt too.

Choosing a Major Subject

• Tend to try alternatives and remain open to change
• Prefer a job dealing directly and flexibly with people
• Often found in health field, sales, design, entertainment, transportation, or troubleshooting

Learning Preferences

• Can remember a great number of facts and events
• Prefer first-hand experience rather than books or lectures
• Usually do better in actual situations rather than on written tests
• May experience difficulty in classrooms because few college instructors are their type
• Learn and solve problems best through trial and error

Reading, Writing, Studying

• Prefer to study with others and with external stimulation
• May need to learn that test taking often requires trusting their hunches and reading between the lines
• Report they spend no time in non-required serious reading
• Write best by first talking out the facts they know
• Need to revise final drafts by making the language less conversational and shortening their paragraphs

Playing

• Like to engage in physical exercise and sports
• Room-mates may find them fun, enthusiastic, and adaptable
• Report no trouble dating once a week or more
• Having fun is important

Possible Causes of Stress

• Bored by too much focus on theories in the classroom
• May be concerned about close relationships
• May socialise too much
• May jump into action before carefully evaluating options
• May neglect studies if they are having too much fun in campus activities

Dealing With Stress

• Natural openness and flexibility helps avoid stress
• Usually have a lot of friends to turn to
• Clever at adapting existing rules to get around roadblocks
• May need to study with others who can help them get organised and focused
• May need to learn to follow through