Grasha and Sheryl Reichmann created the Grasha-Reichmann Learning Style Scales in 1974 to assess college students' attitudes toward learning, educators, classroom activities and peers. They were able to correlate personality traits with learning styles. Six learning styles, three positive and three negative, were identified after interviewing more than 50 students.
Students who exhibited an avoidant learning style took little responsibility for acquiring knowledge. Competitive students only found motivation in competing for academic rewards. Dependent students were not able to manage challenges that were not directly taught in the classroom.
The learning styles that resulted in positive academic achievements were students who were participative, collaborative and independent. Participative students understood the need to do their part in the learning process. Collaborative students work well with peers, and independent students need little direction.
In the 1950s, Isabel Briggs Myers, in conjunction with her mother, Katharine Cook Briggs, developed the Meyer-Briggs Personality Type Indicator with a possible 16 personality combinations. The energizing scale assesses whether a person is an extrovert or introvert. The attending scale determines whether a person uses his senses or intuition to perceive what is real. The deciding scale indicates a preference for thinking or feeling when making decisions. The living scale reveals a preference for planning versus spontaneity.
Once the personality type is determined using this scale, the learning style can be determined. For example, an introvert, sensing personality type takes responsibility and is able to focus on a task at hand, and therefore, has a positive learning style and should do well in an academic program.
Dr. David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates created the True Colors model to differentiate four personality types. Blue personality types are romantics and idealists. Their greatest learning potential occurs when they are given the opportunity to nurture others. Gold personality types enjoy order and preparation and do well in structured environments with clear assigned tasks. Green personalities are curious and analytical types who thrive during problem-solving and when they are afforded the opportunity to share their ideas. Orange type personalities can be competitive and impulsive. As students, orange types might be most motivated by academic rewards that involve competition with others.
Dr. Joyce Bishop, an instructor for Human Growth & Development and Psychobiology at Golden West College in 1998, developed The Personality Spectrum. It identifies four personality types, which are the giver, the organizer, the thinker and the adventurer. The giver will do best in an academic challenge when studying and developing relationships with others or when allowed to teach others. The organizer does best in a structured setting with clear expectations and excels when in charge of planning and giving instructions to other students. The thinker personality type is analytical does best brainstorming ideas and carrying out logical tasks. An adventurer is creative and likes to compose original ideas and finish jobs in new ways.