Whittington & Dewar 2000

[see: Strategy for studying learners using advanced learning technologies]

This very short paper focuses on the behaviour of learners, rather than just preferred learning style. It investigates how different learners develop learning strategies. How learners with different strategies make use of any particular piece of ALT (advanced learning technology). They use MBTI. They suggest that personality type is a better way of understanding how and why leaners develop not only different learning srategies, but also different communication and relationship styles usign ALTs. MBTI indicates which combination of preferences they would ordinarily use in various situations.

20 learners took part in an virtual discussion to explore how their MBTI type influenced the strategies they adopted for studying in an online environment. They knew their MBTI before they started. Small number of participants, and lack of spread of types (20 participants... and 16 MBTI... some would not have been represnted).

Thinking and Feeling types. Feeling types showed a clear preference for the more informal areas of the online discussion. In their posts they developed relationships. Thinking types confined their comments to the areas of research. Informal chat areas are vital for Feelign types, but making them compulsory might disadvantage Thinking types.

Note: Sensing types are under-represented in HE. They refer to Judith Provost and Scott Anchors (1987): Applications of Myers-Briggs Type Indicator in HE.