Understanding Different Personality Types For Teachers, Parents, Tutors, and Curriculum Designers

It is sad that many lesson plans and curriculum are not designed with the child in mind. Is it any wonder that we have such a large dropout rate?

We are going to discuss four important things parents, teachers and tutors would be wise to consider when choosing curriculum and making lesson plans

It is important that we use the following as guidelines, but not as labels. People tend to be more of one type personality with smidgens of others added. So it is important to be flexible with labels so as not to force a stereotypical mold on a child.

1. The Sp personalities are the Creators (persuaders- 10% , craftsman- 6%, entertainers- 11%, or artists- 6% of the population)

• Of all the personalities in school, this one is the most misunderstood, and are often misdiagnosed as “problem children”, “ADD”, Dyslexic, ext. They make up 38% of the typical public school classroom, and are among the majority of dropouts. The typical classroom and curriculum is simply not designed for their learning style.

• This personality more than any other lives in the hear and now. The positive side of this is that they can focus on solutions without being distracted like other personality types. Patton was of this focused personality type. The negative side is they are so focused on the here and now they often do not see the need to prepare for the future

• Important Note: They love to learn, but in a way that involves action, and physical involvement. They are often the ones that excel when it comes time to learn to ride a bike, play a game, or a sport do activity. Yet once they begin school, things change, and their confidence is often eroded.

• Paper and pencil work are devastating to the SP. They respond much better to active learning games as well as verbal and visual learning.

• If these children have been placed in the public school environment they often desperately need self esteem activities.

2. The SJ is the protector (Overseer- 13%, Supporter- 12%, Examiner- 8.5%, or Defender- 7% of the population)

• About two thirds of teachers are SJs so most curriculum and lesson plans are more adequately designed for this child, and they often do well in school.

• They need stability, and like consistency.

• Responsibility is taken seriously, and do well in this area.

• The SJ Prefers questions and answer sessions as opposed to discussion groups.

3. The NT Personality is the Thinker (Chief-4%, Originator 4.5%, Strategist 1.5%, Engineer 2.5% of the population)

• These guys are the little scientists. They enjoy tracking ideas, and organizing their own. They always question why? It is their nature, and what makes them so successful in their field. So it is something to nurture in them.

• He/ she can become so involved in following a line of logic that they will sacrifice grades to satisfy their need to understand. My brother was of this type personality, and the school principal discovered he was ditching school to go study in the library.

• They often need help in setting priorities, and they tend to want to understand everything, which is an impossible task they set for themselves.

• Because they want to know everything, they often set themselves up for failure (which they do not take lightly), and desperately need success experiences introduced to counteract their perceived failures.

4. The NF, or visionaries (Mentor 4%, Advocate 7%, Confidant 1%, Dreamer 2% of the population)

• They are highly sensitive to hostility or conflict , and to subject them to sarcasm or ridicule is particularly destructive. They can become physically ill when overly exposed to such.

• They thrive on two way communication (group discussions), and often make excellent teachers and facilitators as a result.

• The introverted NF ( Confidant and Dreamer) being highly sensitive to rejection can become apart and lonely. As a result they often need help developing social skills, and encouragement to socialize with classmates. As children they need reassurance that “you got their back…you are with them every step of the way.”

• They have a natural intuitive ability, and are known to be able to create beyond their apparent abilities. It is not uncommon for these children to be falsely accused by teachers of having not created an assignment in which they actually did create.

When I give workshops on this subject, I ask the different personalities to position themselves in groups at different parts of the room. When I ask Nfs to raise their hands if they have been accused of not creating something they in fact did create, it is amazing to see how many of them respond by raising their hands. The teachers have responded with resounding “Ohs”. It is a big eye opener for them.

• They do well with teachers who are accepting, nourishing, and avoid ridicule and sarcasm. Teachers are wise to use lots of small group interaction (being careful to keep communication respectful) so as to reach these children in particular.

There is much more to this subject than is possible to cover here. However keeping these ideas in mind when teaching, creating curriculum, and preparing lesson plans will do a great deal to make life better for children in this Country, and for our future as they are the leaders to come. Besides I promise more to follow.

A book I recommend on this subject is "Please Understand Me II" by David Kiersey.