Empowering career search and enrichment

Written by Catherine Rains

First, let’s look at the learning style of students with ES preferences. They are looking for a classroom experience that is practical, real-life and hands-on. They want to experience what they are learning and test this learning in a group setting, rather than just listening to a lecture, reflecting on what they have heard, and being tested on the material. They also want their faculty to provide clear steps on any assignment, and be given opportunities to think out loud. In addition, they learn by talking out what they are learning. Add the P preference to ES, and you have someone that wants this hands-on, active learning to be fun.


Next week we’ll look at who is teaching our ESTP and ESFP students, which could be part of the reason they are at risk.

Written by Catherine Rains

Obviously what these two types share in common is the ESP combination. These types want to be actively engaged in the classroom, and if they aren’t, they will be easily distracted by what is happening outside. Students with SP preferences are the “fun seekers”, and often use their fun meter to measure whether what’s happening in the classroom is worth their time compared to what they could be doing elsewhere. Distractions could include a wide range of things including a job, a party, an academic club, someone walking by their classroom window, etc.

One of my favorite examples came from a good friend, with an ESTP preference, who dropped out of school during his junior year in college because a part-time job turned into a career opportunity. He thought working sounded more fun than finishing school, where he wasn’t very engaged in class. Good news is that he returned to school at age 40 to finish his degree, and eventually earned an MBA as well. But could anything have been done to keep him in school when he was 21?

Stay tuned for next week’s blog for some ideas on how to engage students with these preference types.