General Learning Style (ISTJ)

Students with this learning style learn best by experiencing, doing and practising. For them, the theory (and the links that can be made to their existing knowledge and skills) comes later.

They prefer to learn in an orderly and self-paced manner, and thus benefit from structured, well thought-out training programmes, self-teaching courses, or high quality coaching. Being set (and achieving) regular targets ensures that they maintain interest and gives them the feedback that they need to show them that they are making steady progress.

Loose unstructured teaching without clear outcomes or with a high degree of experimentation, theory or 'play' does not appeal.

As learners, they:

• are less interested in abstract theories than knowledge that has practical application
• prefer working towards a clear goal or end-product
• prefer hands-on training, demonstrations and individual coaching
• have a strong need for evidence or proof when learning new facts
• enjoy challenges, problem-solving and achieving goals
• are good at focusing and concentrating
• are unlikely to explore untried ideas or methods
• are motivated by personal achievement, enhanced status and recognition.

They learn best when:

• there is a focused and structured learning environment
• listening and observing, e.g. watching how other people do things, listening to a lecture or presentation, taking notes
• presented with logical, coherent arguments and clear examples
• allowed to absorb ideas at their own pace and to digest them thoroughly before acting on them or making decisions
• they respect their teacher for his/her competence, professionalism and high standards
• can link what they are learning to 'real-world' problems
• given time to prepare thoroughly in advance
• when thoroughness, dedication and attention to detail are rewarded
• they can put into practice what they have learnt

They are challenged when:

• creativity, interpersonal relationships and personal growth are rewarded above dedication, excellence and thoroughness
• having to take centre stage or being put 'under the spotlight'
• presented with too many distractions or alternatives
• involved in situations which require spur-of-the-moment action and decision-making
• forced to make short cuts or do a superficial job
• there is too much theory, generalisation or ambiguity

College Learning Style

Students with this learning style like to be accurate and they usually are. Others can rely on them to provide practical information. The data will be clear, on time (if not early), and exactly in the form promised. They are among the most reliable and dependable members of any group.

Choosing a Major Subject

• Tend to carefully gather facts before deciding
• Prefer fields where their attention to important details can be used
• Tend to choose majors such as accounting, finance, business, law, civil engineering, production, construction, health administration

Learning Preferences

• Learn best when following a plan; may devise one themselves if not provided by the lecturer
• Achieve through endurance and hard work, perspiration over inspiration
• Learn best sequentially
• Learning means mastering the facts
• Arrive at generalisations by accumulating facts

Reading, Writing, Studying

• Usually excellent at time management
• Study best quietly alone on one project at a time
• May be avid readers
• Write first drafts from an outline of factual information using a format that's worked before
• Need to revise first drafts by adding conceptual overview and leaving out extraneous details

Playing

• Usually prefer hands-on hobbies or projects they work on alone
• Like a neat room and hard-working, quiet, organised roommates
• Report dating no more than once a month or are too busy to date
• Feel they must get all their work done before playing

Possible Causes of Stress

• May have a tendency to overlook long-range planning because today's chequebook is not balanced
• May be too perfectionist about details
• School study techniques may not work in college
• May overwork and miss out on the fun of college

Dealing With Stress

• Naturally tend to pay careful attention to important details
• Naturally tend to seek solutions to problems from past successes
• May need to learn to skim material
• May need to plan time for relaxation and fun
• Outline main points rather than memorising