Using Personality-Based Propensity as a Guide for Teaching Practice

Abstract

The Big Five-Factor personality traits are examined in the present review. Individual characteristics and personality types may contribute differently to choices of learning strategies and overall cognitive performance. The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to provide a brief overview of consistent research findings on personality constructs as predictors of school-related factors, including academic ability, reading and math skills, metacognitive assessments, self-regulatory learning and processing strategies, and students’ confidence; and (2) to highlight the applicable value of using personality-related propensities to guide teachers in the classroom. Inter-relationships among personality, cognition, metacognition, self-regulation, and learning outcomes are addressed. More importantly, in the end of the paper, practical teaching and learning applications are discussed and summarized in a table. The table is organized to highlight each personality trait, its significance based on research evidence, and its educational implications for specific teaching methods and strategies teachers can use to draw strengths from each personality trait and to maximize learning in the classroom.