What kind of student are you? How personality types affect how you learn in class

Personality tests are tools designed to help you uncover the unique traits and characteristics that define who you are. These tests typically use multiple-choice, true/false, and rating scale questions to assess your preferences, feelings, and reactions to various scenarios, ultimately categorizing your personality into specific types. Among the most well-known personality assessments are the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the 16 Personalities tests.

Have you ever been asked, “What’s your MBTI?” The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), introduced in 1942, identifies how psychological functions shape your interests, perspectives, behaviors, and personality.

The MBTI focuses on four key spectrums:

• Extroversion (E) vs. Introversion (I) – How you receive and direct energy

• Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N) – How you process information

• Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F) – How you make decisions

• Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P) – How you approach the world

Let’s explore these categories and how they can support your academic journey.

Extroversion vs Introversion

The first MBTI spectrum is Extroversion (E) and Introversion (I). Extroverted students thrive in social interactions, drawing energy from engaging with others. Introverted students, however, may feel more drained after prolonged socializing and recharge by spending time alone.

This distinction isn’t about whether you enjoy socializing—it’s about how you manage your energy. Keep these insights in mind to create an effective study routine:

• Extroverted students: Join study groups or organize collaborative sessions to prepare for exams or complete assignments.

• Introverted students: Use in-class group work to ask questions and get feedback, then focus on independent study at home to recharge.

Sensing vs Intuition

The Sensing (S) and Intuition (N) spectrum explain how students process information. Sensing-oriented learners prefer concrete data like facts and figures, while intuition-oriented learners thrive on concepts, patterns and emotions.

Here’s how you can tailor your study habits for vocabulary building:

• Intuition-oriented students: Connect new words to personal memories, songs, or poems that evoke emotion to aid retention.

• Sensing-oriented students: Create vocabulary lists with definitions, synonyms and pronunciations for structured memorization.

Thinking vs Feeling

The Thinking (T) and Feeling (F) spectrum reflect how you make decisions. Thinking-oriented students rely on logic, while feeling-oriented students prioritize empathy and emotional connection.

Here are tips to improve your learning approach:

• Thinking-oriented students: Organize notes with color codes or set measurable goals, like learning one new idiom per day.

• Feeling-oriented students: Build connections with classmates and instructors to stay motivated and feel supported in your learning environment.

Perception vs Judgement

The final MBTI spectrum is Judging (J) and Perceiving (P). Judging-oriented students excel with structure and planning, while perceiving-oriented students adapt well to spontaneous changes.

Understanding your tendencies can enhance your time management:

• Judging-oriented students: Use detailed schedules and embrace opportunities to explore topics beyond the syllabus, such as cultural diversity or new languages.

• Perceiving-oriented students: Stay mindful of deadlines by setting reminders on your phone or calendar.

Regardless of your type, communicate with your instructors if you need additional structure or flexibility in your coursework.

The 16 Personalities test is an evolution of the MBTI, offering deeper insights into how you process information, interact with others, and make choices. It categorizes personalities into four main groups:

• Analysts (Intuitive and Thinking)

• Diplomats (Intuitive and Feeling)

• Sentinels (Observant and Judging)

• Explorers (Observant and Prospecting)

These groups form 16 distinct personality types, such as:

• INFJ: The Advocate (Introvert, Intuition, Feeling, Judging)
• ESTP: The Entrepreneur (Extrovert, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving)

Understanding your personality type helps you embrace your strengths, identify areas for growth, and appreciate the differences in others. Most importantly, it empowers you to build a path to academic and personal success tailored to your unique traits.