Helpful Learning Techniques for your Myers-Briggs Personality Type

Date Published: January 7, 2021

By now, you’ve probably realized you learn a little differently than some of your peers. Learning styles are common ways that people absorb information – and, as a nursing student, you need to absorb a LOT of information. Figuring out your preferred learning style(s), then, can be a huge help when it comes to tackling that challenge.

One way you can determine learning styles and strategies that might work well for you is by matching them up to your Myers-Briggs personality type traits. If you don’t know what your Myers-Briggs personality type is, you can take a free version of the test here. Then, try out the learning techniques that match up with each of your traits below.

(Keep in mind, there are no right or wrong preferences. You will likely find yourself adapting to every learning style at some point or another during your journey through nursing school!)

Extravert vs. Introvert (E-I)

Extraverts (E): Extraverts are energized by interactions with other individuals and thrive in learning environments where they can speak out and physically be present during the learning process.

If you are an extravert, try: forming a study group, participating in class discussions/debates, and studying as if you were preparing to teach someone else the material.

Introverts (I): Introverts are more focused on their internal self, making them very self-sufficient in their studying. These individuals thrive when given sufficient time and space to do their own thing.

If you are an introvert, try: working independently, finding a private study space, and taking notes about your personal observations during a lecture or assignment.

Sensing vs. Intuitive (S-N)

(Pro tip: This scale has the biggest impact on how people learn.)

Sensing (S): Sensing individuals rely heavily on their 5 senses and prefer information that is concrete, tangible, and detailed. These students thrive on the practical application of concepts and clear expectations from educators.

If you are a sensing type, try: making a step-by-step study plan, using audio-visual materials and hands-on activities, and taking notes about how the content is relevant to you personally.

Intuitive (N):  Intuitive individuals look at the big picture and can create patterns and relationships among all the different things they learn. These students focus on conceptual information and enjoy the theoretical.

If you are an intuitive type, try: using different study methods to avoid repetition, making concept maps to show relationships between ideas, and asking yourself “what if?” when taking notes.

Thinking vs. Feeling (T-F)

Thinking (T): Thinking types like to learn new information in the most logical way possible. They enjoy analysis and reason and like having things in an orderly fashion.

If you are a thinking type, try: creating outlines and tying lessons back to the course objectives.

Feeling (F): Feeling types like to find personal connections to what they are learning. These types thrive when they get to learn about topics they care about.

If you are a feeling type, try: studying with a friend and setting rewards for yourself for mastering content.

Judging vs. Perceiving (J-P)

Judging (J): Judging types value planning and order. These individuals feel energized when they are getting things done.

If you are a judging type, try: making detailed to-do lists and creating a weekly study schedule.

Perceiving (P): Perceiving types are flexible and spontaneous. These individuals don’t mind surprises and prefer to stay open to new opportunities and options.

If you are a perceiving type, try: dividing long projects into several smaller assignments and incorporating a greater variety of study tools into your routine to break up monotony.

You can learn more about all these learning styles and personality types here.

Reflecting on your personality type preferences can help give you a better frame of reference for how you learn the best. And the more you know about how you learn best, the better you can set yourself up for success! For more helpful tips, check out the Nursing School Success section of our student blo