General Learning Style (INFJ)

Students with this learning style learning is a way of expanding their horizons and a path towards growth and development, and this acts as a powerful motivation. They prefer to learn in a friendly, co-operative atmosphere in which exploration and discovery are encouraged. They enjoy playing with ideas, experimenting with possibilities and thinking around their subject, but need to have a clear purpose for doing so.

They become absorbed in a subject deeply and read as much about it as they can. They are good at conceptualising and abstract reasoning, though they may be less interested in facts and figures. They learn equally well on their own or with others, though they seek encouragement and approval from both their peers and their teachers.

For them to become fully involved, their imagination needs to be stimulated, as a result of which they benefit from reading, multi-media learning, inspiring lectures, workshops and group discussions. Exercises, routine, detailed tasks and targets tend to de-motivate them.

As learners, they:

• enjoy abstract thinking and conceptualising
• are motivated to learn in order to further their own and other people's development
• benefit from allowing their creativity and inspiration free reign
• may need to be encouraged to share their insights
• may need to develop discrimination, criticism and objectivity
• dislike facts and figures
• prefer an unstructured or playful learning environment
• enjoy working in small groups or one-to-one

They learn best when:

• allowed to absorb ideas at their own pace and to digest them thoroughly before acting on them or making decisions
• when emotionally engaged by a subject, or can relate it to their personal interests and values
• encouraged to read, research and reflect on a subject
• listening and observing, e.g. watching how other people do things, listening to a lecture or presentation, taking notes
• given time to prepare thoroughly in advance
• set clear targets
• given personal attention by their tutor or teacher, and an atmosphere of trust has been created in which they can say what they feel
• there are plenty of opportunities for co-operative interaction, dialogue and group discussion
• ideas are presented imaginatively or in an inspiring manner, for example using role-play, dramatisation or multi-sensory presentations

They are challenged when:

• being taught by 'rote' (i.e. repetition), or when given specific instructions or rigid guidelines
• having to collate large amounts of data
• having to take centre stage or being put 'under the spotlight'
• the focus is on analysis, detail, or facts and figures
• forced to make judgements before they are ready
• the emphasis is on competition and rivalry

College Learning Style

Students with this learning style are often quietly creative. Usually well-prepared when approaching any situation, they also seek to bring an original flair to their work, either artistic, poetic, or imaginative in some way. They have a deep faith in their inner vision of human potential.

Choosing a Major Subject

• Usually decide after careful research, but often trust an inner vision
• Tend to seek work were they can quietly aid in the personal development of people, including their colleagues
• Found frequently in fields such as teaching, counselling, ministry, science, research, training and/or development

Learning Preferences

• Tend to focus on theory and underlying meaning
• Independent and willing to challenge authorities, even their professors
• Learn best when they study alone, with quiet for concentration
• Prefer to express creative ideas in writing
• Want instructors who arouse enthusiasm for learning

Reading, Writing, Studying

• Prefer quiet for study and concentration
• Do well academically because of good time management and organisation
• Report no non-required reading per week; they do so much required reading
• Best writing will be done when they can freely express their strong convictions
• Need to revise final drafts by fitting original ideas to the instructor's requirements

Playing

• Tend to join campus groups were they can put their ideals into practice or serve others
• Roommates may find them quiet, steady friends with unique interests who will follow through on their commitments
• Report that they do not date much
• Usually want work to be done before relaxing

Possible Causes of Stress

• May ignore information that might challenge what they believe because of single-minded devotion to their cause
• May have definite expectations of others that are not expressed
• May have difficulty seeing why others aren't as invested in their ideals
• May have high expectations for self
• May have difficulty following instructions because of individualism

Dealing With Stress

• Naturally trust in their inner vision or values
• Need to make their expectations clear to others
• Learn to seek and give criticism more often
• May need to set realistic goals for self
• Learn to compromise to meet professors' expectations