At the request of a friend I recently took a personality inventory test. While it was spot on for myself (INFJ to those in the know), it got me thinking about student centered learning within a small group setting. Does personality determine individual learning within a collaborative space? The answer of course is a resounding yes. While I have always been aware of this, I haven’t consciously and intentionally responded to it in grouping students.
So, in my next unit I am having my students all take the personality inventory I did on the 16Personalities website. Now, the question becomes how do I apply the results within a class to optimize individual learning within a small group setting while maintaining a student centered blended environment.
First, I will cross check a few students Myers Briggs “official” test results the counseling department has students take for accuracy. For this, I have asked Katie Almonte to do her wonders and help me.
I will then turn to in-house experts Joanie Larson, Kristy Schow, Stacie Basagnia and Sarah Alpert for help.
The five of us will meet and group students on four types of people:
Analysts (intuitive/thinking)
Diplomats (intuitive/feeling)
Sentinels (observant/judging)
Explorers (observant/prospecting)
Now, to implement this into my English classes becomes the real challenge. Teaching English requires a myriad of skills to develop, just like all subjects. Yet, there is no linear way of reaching the end goal in subject matter that can remain highly subjective for teacher and student alike. No check list of pre-requisites to complete to move from skill to skill. With collaboration and communication skills nurtured across all disciplines, I believe my classes and, more importantly, the learning experience for each individual will be improved by this approach.
So, how does this look or work? I clearly have no idea. But, I am excited to try something that isn’t groundbreaking in the field, but is new to me.
Interested in taking the test?
https://www.16personalities.com/