In my previous article, I discussed how ones’ personality can greatly affect how he or she learns and processes information. In this article, I will begin describing the personalities as discussed by Myers and Briggs. Myers and Briggs are quick to assure everyone in their research that there are no right or wrong personality types. All of the types described are normal.
I will begin with an extrovert often referred to as (E) by Myers and Briggs. An extravert typically has much energy. These personality type people enjoy talking with others. They are quick to participate in activities.
Extroverts learn better when they can be involved in an activity that allows hands-on physical movement or talking. Extrovert students enjoy and learn well in collaborative groups where topics can be discussed with others.
Extroverts can easily be distracted by social interactions and can find it hard to focus and settle down to complete a task. They may struggle with activities that require them to work by themselves. They may find it hard to focus on activities such as writing research papers and reading books for information.
Students with an extrovert personality may gain a lot from studying with a buddy or teaching or tutoring another student.
These students do well when they see the results of a task. They also do well with any task that involves social interaction with other people.
I feel that these students are often in trouble in the classroom. Teachers misinterpret the need for extroverts to talk out their experiences. Teachers feel that students who need social interaction are disturbing the classroom.
If you have a child that fits into the extrovert personality, you need to look for a teacher that has a lot of movement and activity change in her classroom. The child needs to be in a room that utilizes learning centers and collaborative group work.
Teaching Your Auditory Learner