General Learning Style (INFP)

Students with this learning style learn best by studying, reflecting, exchanging ideas and linking them to other ideas to form new patterns of understanding.

To them, learning is a way of expanding their horizons and a path towards growth and development. They prefer to learn in an unstructured manner, and a friendly, co-operative atmosphere in which exploration and discovery are encouraged is a prerequisite for their success.

They enjoy playing with ideas, experimenting with possibilities and thinking around their subject. They become absorbed in a subject deeply and read as much about it as they can. For them to become involved in the learning process, their imagination needs to be stimulated, so they benefit from reading, video, inspiring lectures, workshops and group discussions. Analysis and concentration on facts and details tends to demotivate them.

As learners, they:

• are quick to grasp ideas and possibilities
• are motivated to learn in order to further their own and other people's development
• enjoy abstraction and seeing patterns emerge by linking disparate ideas together
• benefit from allowing their creativity and inspiration free reign
• may need to think about how they can use what they have learnt
• may need to set themselves targets and timetables
• may need to develop judgement, criticism and objectivity
• may need to periodically review and summarise what they have learnt

They learn best when:

• emotionally engaged by a subject, or can relate it to their personal interests and values
• working alone or in small groups
• required to explore a subject in depth
• allowed to absorb ideas at their own pace and to digest them thoroughly before acting on them or making decisions
• listening and observing, e.g. watching how other people do things, listening to a lecture or presentation, taking notes
• encouraged to read, research and reflect on a subject
• encouraged to share their insights and pursue their personal interests
• ideas are presented imaginatively or in an inspiring manner, for example using role-play, dramatisation or multi-sensory presentations
• given personal attention by their tutor or teacher, in an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect

They are challenged when:

• having to take centre stage or being put 'under the spotlight'
• being taught by 'rote' (i.e. repetition), or when given specific instructions or rigid guidelines
• involved in situations which require spur-of-the-moment action and decision-making
• the focus is on analysis, detail or facts and figures
• there is emphasis is on competition and rivalry
• presented with too many distractions or alternatives

College Learning Style

Students with this learning style are more deeply interested in what they do than people realise. They are quiet but warm. They notice the subtle nuances behind people's words and behaviour, and seek to have personal impact in whatever they do. They too easily take on more than seems possible to accomplish, but somehow get it done.

Choosing a Major Subject

• Always dreaming of new possibilities
• Want their work to contribute to a purpose beyond the paycheque, aiding human development
• Usually found majoring in counselling, teaching, writing, science, or psychology

Learning Preferences

• Like general concepts and original or complex material
• Seek patterns among seemingly unrelated events and ideas
• Value artistic expression and the written word
• Say they spend up to nine hours a week in serious non-required reading
• Want instructors to arouse enthusiasm for learning

Reading, Writing, Studying

• Need quiet to study or do serious work
• May be surprised in college because they did not have to study to achieve good grades in school
• Usually interested in literature
• Write best from inner inspiration, drawing ideas from diverse sources and showing conceptual links
• When revising, may need to shorten sentences, simplify overly complex ideas, get to the point quicker, and provide factual data to illustrate points

Playing

• Frequently serve on campus publications
• Very adaptable as roommates but sometimes may be oblivious of others' concern for order or possessions
• Report they don't like casual dating; want to find a long-term partner
• Often find it hard to pull themselves away from intriguing reading or projects to engage in physical recreation or play

Possible Causes of Stress

• May feel a sense of inadequacy despite objective performance
• Among the least assertive of the types in college
• May find reality does not match their perfectionist idealism
• May have trouble with time management and organisation
• May delay finishing projects because they never feel complete

Dealing With Stress

• Naturally find ways, often by writing, to express ideals
• Learn to trust objective evidence for performance
• Learn ways to act assertively
• Learn time management skills
• May need to turn project in even though it feels incomplete