The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is an assessment tool that provides insights about yourself and communication styles. The assessment contains different categories. The choices based on each category result in one of 16 personality types.
Discover your personality type and how it influences your learning style by taking the quiz here:
Learning Styles by Personality Type
ISTJ: The Duty Fulfiller
The Duty Fulfiller values logic and methodology. With their hardworking characteristics and attention to detail, ISTJs are likely to value learning from:
- Step by step instructions
- Microlearning modules that work towards a larger goal
- Information rooted in facts and analysis rather than abstract concepts
- Content presented over a defined schedule or agenda
Most likely benefits from: Pre-defined goals that are set for projects or subsets of long-term projects. L&D content should include data, analytics, and information proven by past experiences.
ISTP: The Mechanic
ISTPs are very attentive to details. Specifically, an ISTP likely enjoys understanding the mechanics of how something works. With a tendency to take on a hands-on approach, the Mechanic likely benefits from:
- Problem-solving activities
- Analytical discussions
- Heavily detailed content
- Visuals like diagrams or maps
Most likely benefits from: A detailed booklet or guide that includes “what-if” thought provoking scenarios, detailed information, and mechanical/technical visuals.
ISFJ: The Nurturer
ISFJs are social, but less likely to call attention to themselves. The Nurturer places emphasis on building relationships and usually commit themselves to projects:
- Team or group learning exercises
- Ideas relatable to past experiences
- Option to prioritize learning modules themselves
- Projects that work towards a common goal
Most likely benefits from: Learning that involves collaboration with others. Nurturers value detail, but would greatly benefit from breakout sessions with their peers.
ISFP: The Artist
The Artist is flexible and open-minded. ISFPs are unlikely to be demanding or assertive. They place value on expression and dialogue, benefiting from:
- Room to express their creativity
- Hands-on learning modules
- Task completion over book learning
- Group discussion
Most likely benefits from: Group learning with the capability to complete hands-on tasks. Shy away from overloading ISFPs with too much content. When necessary, opt for digital content with collaboration tools.
INFJ: The Protector
An INFJ is likely to be individualistic, rather than the leader or the follower. The Protector takes pride in their ability to read other people. INFJs thrive in a variety of subject matter and prefer:
- Individual rather than group work
- Criteria that aims towards goal fulfillment
- Content that aims directly at skill development
- Abstract, creative, and scientific concepts
Most likely benefits from: Brief lectures or content modules with time for reflection. The Protector has desires to understand processes. Stay away from long content and opt for thought provoking posters or single sheets.
INFP: The Idealist
Despite the Idealist’s extreme loyalty, they shy away from strict schedules. INFPs are quick to pick up underlying patterns. Idealists are likely to get the most out of learning with:
- Group discussions and collaboration
- Long-term, structured goals
- Thought provoking, stimulating content/tasks
- Flipped classrooms (a type of blended learning)
Most likely benefits from: Blended learning styles involving print, digital, and in-person collaboration. Digest the content before discussion for maximum benefit.
INTJ: The Scientist
The Scientist is independent and analytical. Unlike other personality types, INTJs are likely to apply concepts/theories into action. Typically lifelong learners, INTJs learn best from:
- Hands-on exercises
- Problem-solving activities
- Content presented through microlearning
- Group discussion or debate
Most likely benefits from: Shorter content that provokes a challenge or problem. INTJs enjoy applying past experience to problems and new information.
INTP: The Thinker
Thinkers love finding solutions to interesting and complicated problems. Learning for INTPs often takes more time hypothesizing than application:
- Stimulating tasks or complicated problems
- Group discussions and collaboration
- Time for individual reflection
- Observation, analytics, and data sets
Most likely benefits from: Thinkers get bored easily. Provide them with content that involves logic and analysis with the opportunity to theorize.
ESTP: The Doer
As the name suggests, this personality type does best from experiential learning. Opt for visual content over typical book learning. Likewise, try out:
- Group work and settings
- Video content
- Direct activity and application
- Versatility in subject matter
Most likely benefits from: Group activity, application, and exercises. When instructing Doers, use video content, game-based learning, and other imagery.
ESTJ: The Guardian
ESTJs are natural leaders and are task-oriented. In situations without defined processes or rules, Guardians will likely create their own. ESTJ personalities enjoy:
- Knowledge application
- Opportunities to lead/manage
- Learning objectives held to timelines
- Content substantiated from previous application
ESFP: The Performer
True to the name, the Performer is people-oriented and fun loving. Performers love new experiences and working with others, thereby accelerating in:
- Group learning activities
- Peer work or collaboration
- Short-term goals and projects
- Experience learning rather than book learning
Most likely benefits from: Open dialogue discussion. Avoid handing a book to ESFPs; instead, use talking points when presenting new information to them.
ESFJ: The Caregiver
ESFJs are conscientious and value their peers’ efforts. When it comes to learning, the Caregiver reaches their potential with:
- Structured rules and guidelines
- Empirical evidence to support content
- Opportunity for feedback
- Group work and collaboration
Most likely benefits from: A learning environment that provides engagement tools and collaboration opportunities. Caregivers expect to see input from others, and, likewise, feedback on their own work.
ENFP: The Inspirer
Inspirers tend to have excellent people and social skills. These traits enable them to perform well in group learning activities. ENFPs are people-centered, thereby when learning look for:
- Opportunity for self-expression
- Innovations and new projects
- Opportunity for leadership
- Open communication channels
Most likely benefits from: Social learning settings! ENFPs are flexible in social situations and offer support to others. Ensure that L&D content has room for open discussion and breakout sessions.
ENFJ: The Giver
ENFJs often have wonderful people skills. The Giver is excellent at listening and persuading others to come to agreements. Like other extroverts, they enjoy group settings that offer:
- New challenges and tasks
- Teamwork that aims at common goals
- Opportunity for creativity
- Group work
Most likely benefits from: Lectures with breakout sessions. For optimal learning, ENFJs desire to understand others but also enjoy leading discussions themselves. The key here is an open dialogue.
ENTP: The Visionary
ENTPs are creative and love a challenge. They’ll be quick to debate their point and are likely witty. While they thrive working alongside others, they avoid preparation work. The Visionary thrives with:
- New methodologies and applications
- Casual, unstructured, open environments
- Criteria that aims directly at further knowledge and skill development
- Written and verbal discussions
Most likely benefits from: Try open discussions where they can take on a challenge. Make sure that content available in digital format has note-taking capabilities that open the door to debate.
ENTJ: The Executive
Assertive and outspoken, ENTJs are driven to lead. Abstain from microlearning, and steer towards long-term goals and:
- Opportunity to manage their learning schedule
- Presentations, speaking opportunities
- Discussions and debate
- Structure and clear guidelines
Most likely benefits from: ENTJs want structure and evaluation. When learning, pick long-term goals and measure the impact of learning against those. The Executive will be motivated by progress.
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