Have you taken the Myers’ Briggs’ Type Indicator (MBTI)? What about the Big Five Personality Test? Both are free to take and offer some insight into the personality traits associated with ideal language learners. Take both of the tests. After you take the tests, post your findings (results from each test) as well as a reflection on the following:
- Studies tend to agree that agreeable, risk-taking extroverts are more likely to have success learning a language. Does this describe you?
- How successful were you with learning a language?
- What other factors in your language learning experience (other than personality) might have negatively or positively affected your outcome?
- How do you think your personality type affects your perception of your students? How about ELL students in particular?
- Finally, respond to one of your colleagues by sharing a connection or reaction to their thoughts. (Your response should be meaningful, with a goal to push each other’s thinking rather than offering a superficial exchange. Please see rubric)
My results from The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test conclude that I am a defender. When broken down, I am 82% introverted, 83% observant, I have 63% feelings, 79% judging and 90% turbulent. I am very dedicated and ready to defend the people that I care about the most. When taking the Big Five Personality Test, it concluded I am 31% open, 85% conscientious, 8% extravert, 96% agreeable and 79% neurotic. The test concluded that I am a highly sympathetic and altruistic person and I value kindness and compassion above everything. Both tests were accurate descriptions of myself, where I care for others and work to make the world a better place. I am unconcerned with selfish goals and occupy myself with the needs of others.
With the summaries of both results, I am not a risk-taker, therefore I would find myself having difficulty learning a new language. I did come to United States when I was eight years old and found myself learning English at a very high speed. I was able to catch up to my peers by sixth or seventh grade, so I would say that I have some difficulty in learning a new language as it took me some years to catch up and adjust.
Other factors that have had an effect in my language learning experience could possibly be my teaching style, classroom management strategies and communication with students. For example, an extraverted teacher may be more likely to engage in group activities and encourage classroom participation, while an introverted teacher (like myself) may prefer more independent or individualized learning activities.
As an introverted teacher, I do believe that this does affect my students. Introverted teachers tend to be inwardly focused and introspective, which can make me more attuned to the emotional needs of my students. I also do believe I am observant of my students behaviors and body language and am able to pick up cues on students that are struggling or need extra support. Being introverted does help my ELL students because I am able to pick up on when they are having difficulty and because of my care for others, I am able to help them right away.