Learning Styles and
Teaching Styles
Color Assessment
Presented by: Debbie Hardy
Phillips Community College/UA
AATYC Conference
October 14, 2002
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They want different things
They see things differently
They act and feel different
They learn differently
Knowing your personality type allows you to
understand yourself and others.
Objectives
• To determine personality styles
• To recognize the primary learning
styles and teaching styles
• To recognize instructional techniques
for all learning styles
Objectives (cont.)
• To recognize the importance
of the learning environment
• To identify clues of personality styles
• To recognize tips of communicating
with students
• Hippocrates-identified four
personalities-
Sanguine (orange),
Melancholic (gold),
Choleric (blue),
Phlegmatic (green)
• Carl Jung-1921-
revived Hippocrates
work–
Intuitor (orange)
Feeler (blue)
Sensor (gold)
Thinker (green)
• Katherine Briggs
& Isabel Briggs
Myers -1940developed sixteen
personality types-
Myers Briggs Type
Indicator (MBTI)
• David Keirsey 1970- developed
four
temperaments-
Guardian SJ (gold)
Rational NT (green)
Artisan SP (orange)
Idealist NF (blue)
• Don Lowry – 1978 – founded True Colors
• Used True Colors as a metaphor to
illustrate how we are driven by our human
differences and how we can build selfesteem by expressing our true nature.
• Gold-- Symbolizes security,
responsibility, work, service, stability,
sensibility and loyalty.
• Blue – reflects complete calm, peace,
harmony, contentment, deep feeling,
empathy and belonging.
• Orange– Epitomizes vibrancy,
energy, action, commands attention
right now, danger, openness and
movement.
• Green– Embodies nature, growing,
complexity, abundance, power,
creativity and designing ideas.
Which color are You?
Autograph Signing
Exercise
Autograph Signing
Exercise
• Preferred Hand
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Easy
Quick
Natural
Effortless
Comfortable
(natural
preference)
• Non-preferred
Hand
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Hard
Difficult
Stiff
Awkward
Takes
concentration
What You See- Gold Clues
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Manner tends to be business like
Traditional dress and appearance
Neat appearance, a bit formal
Makes lists
Jewelry more conservative
Body movements controlled and formal
Hands kept under control, holding
things, in pockets, etc.
What You Hear- Gold Clues
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Voice tone is business like
Wants information in writing
Wants detailed information
May want to know authority structure
Stays focused on topic
Wants established schedules/deadlines
Makes frequent judgments
May sound authoritarian
Likes to explain things thoroughly
What You See – Orange Clues
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Active body movement
Attention getting activity and dress
Dramatic or flamboyant manner
Quick movement from one place to another
Visible facial expressions
Demonstration of confidence
Playful approach and sometimes practical jokes
Often appears exciting and active
What You Hear- Orange Clues
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Conversation will be fast paced & to the point
Excited voice tone & varied pitch
Enthusiastic expressions
Uses Slang/Laughter/Stories
Quick move from one topic to another
Unfinished sentences
Often promotes ideas, products, activities
Gets to the point quickly
What You See – Green Clues
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Does not show emotion easily
Business like & serious manner
May not appear friendly or casual
Appearance my be unconventional
Gestures from the head
May be more quiet in manner
Hand movements are used to explain
or show models, etc.
What You Hear- Green Clues
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Asks many questions
May want to establish credibility of speaker
Voice does not communicate emotion
May not respond immediately-needs to think
about it
• Will respond negatively to incorrect information
• Will act irritated if asked to rephrase
• May be brief and concise
What You See – Blue Clues
• Makes good eye contact
• Appears to listen attentively
• May be animated/Facial expressions indicate
warmth & friendliness
• Dress is usually fashionable
• Polite manner & nurturing posture
• Makes use of touch frequently
• Often gestures from the heart, hands open
• Will stop doing paperwork to engage another
person
What You Hear- Blue Clues
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Speaks with feeing in voice
Does not use threatening language
Ends sentences with higher pitch
Checks before interrupting
Avoids conflict
Soothing voice
Uses frequent “I” statements
Will frequently apologize
May begin sentences with “I feel…”
Often enthusiastic voice tone
True Colors
“If a man does not keep
pace with his
companions, perhaps it
is because he hears a
different drummer.
Let him step to the
music he hears,
however measured and
far away.”
-Thoreau
Orange
Gold
Blue
Green
(Active)
(Structured)
(Interactive)
(Independent)
An active
hands-on
learner.
Likes a
participating
learning
activity.
A
structured
learner who
does best
in an
orderly
classroom
environment
An interactive
learner who
does best
when in
communicative
interactive
groups.
An
independent
learner who
prefers
learning more
abstract
principles.
Sometimes
considered
hyperactive
student with
excessive
energy.
Expects to
have clear
instructions
& will follow
rules
easily.
Very
Likes research
responsive to & independent
people related study.
learning
activities.
• Like empathetic
and caring
instructors
• Positive feedback
and honest praise
• Cooperative
learning
• Discussions and group
work
• Open, interactive and
flexible
• People oriented
environment
atmosphere
• Projects
• Essay tests
• Communicationrelated activities
• Opportunity for
individual expression
• Promotes longterm relationships
• Comfortable and
warm ambiance
• Pictures and
posters with
inspirational quotes
• Seating where
there is eye
contact with one
another
• Soothing music,
flowers, and
comfortable
furniture
• Sense of team
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Humanities
English
Behavioral and Social Sciences
Theater/Music/Art
Speech/Foreign Language
Theology
Favored instructional techniques are
discussions, group projects and
simulations
• Emphasis on how
lessons used and
personally applied
• Constant diagnosis of
individual students’
needs & progress
• Adjustment of lesson
plans to individual
needs
• Extra help for
students
• Use of a variety of
materials
• Frequent use of group
work, peer tutoring,
cooperative learning
• Classroom rules are
fair & student
generated
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Private talk
Focus on feelings
Separate behavior from the person
Soft modulated speech
Sympathetic attitude
Be patient
Use a gentle touch
Listen to the whole story
Shared problem solving
• Mental challenge
• Independent work
• Answers based on principle,
theory, or law
• Lecture-style presentations
• Quiet learning environment
• Recognition for abilities and skills
• Models
• Research
• Analysis
• Individual work
extended beyond
objective
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Unstructured
Minimal interruptions
State-of-the art technology
Access to knowledgeable and
competent experts
• Time to think and Question time
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Philosophy
Sciences/Technology
Communications
Foreign languages
Music
Math/linguistics
Favored instructional techniques
are lectures, tests, individual
projects and reports.
• Emphasis of
learning used in
future
• Logical
presentations
• Encouragement of
questions
• Use of personal
research
• Knowledge shared
through lecture
• Interest in
information more
than people
• Encourager of
classroom
discussion and
debate
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Use logic
Be objective
Acknowledge intelligence and contribution
Allow privacy
Be non-confrontational
Offer alternatives
Foster interdependent problem solving
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Action, excitement and competition
Hands-on activities
Games and entertainment
Learning by doing
Simulations
Content oriented
• Independent Study
• Competition
• Short, frequent
evaluations
• Proficiency-based
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Colorful and mutable environment
Room for movement
Speakers and field trips
Use of sound and visual impact
Unstructured
Lots of activities
Exciting & Fun
Rotate Class Activities
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Arts/Crafts
Sports/Recreation
Music/Theater
Automotive
Welding/Air Conditioning
Criminal justice/fire technology
Communications
Favored instructional techniques are
projects, games, contests, field trips,
demonstrations, shows, and use of
short stories.
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• Planning is done
mentally
• Emphasis on relevance •
of information in the
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real world
• Teaching includes
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active-learning
strategies
No fear of innovative
teaching strategies
Risk taker-not afraid
of trying new things
Paperwork is often late
or low priority
Changes lesson
structure to “Plan B”
without hesitation
• Frequent use of handson activities
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Be direct
To the point
Explain consequences
Be matter of fact
Use humor
Give immediate rewards
Use negotiation
Active problem solving
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Rules and structure
Orderliness
Quiet
Schedules and defined deadlines
Feedback based on quizzes and tests
Step-by-step approach is fundamental
Content, not theory oriented
• Quiz
• Immediate Feedback or
evaluation
• Completion tests
• Orderly classroom
• Traditional classroom that includes a
clock and chalkboard
• Acknowledgment for accomplishments
• Must have own space
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Agriculture
Business/Computer Information Systems
Social Sciences
Political Science
Family/Consumer Science
History/Geography/Health
Favored instructional techniques
are recitation, drill, composition, tests,
quizzes and demonstrations.
• Traditionalist in
subject matter
• Detailed lesson
plans
• Logical sequencing
in units & lectures
• Strong use of text
• Hand outs
• Structured class
time
• Use of outside
references listed for
students
• Review and re-teach
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Use direct honesty
Be factual
Refer to appropriate rules
State the problem
State consequences
Use a corrective action plan
Use directed problem solving
Traits of not being motivated
by teaching styles or strategy
• Orange
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Off task
Disturbs others
Talks, yells
Rude
Physical movement
• Blue
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Chats to neighbor
Goes into their imagination
Cries
Exhibits large gamut of
emotions to excess
– Moody
Traits of not being motivated by
teaching styles or strategy
• Gold
– Critical of others
and self-blaming
– Does other work
assigned
– Whines
– Is afraid they will
not do well
• Green
– Goes into reflection
– Reads
– Works on other
work that they feel
is more significant
– Isolates themselves
mentally and
physically criticizes
Reframing
• Change negative to positive
• Helps add value to diversity
Blue-Reframing
(changes negative to positive and helps to value diversity)
• Blue Shadow Side
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Over emotional
Bleeding heart
Mushy
Flaky, unrealistic
Hopelessly naïve
Too tenderhearted
A pushover, weak
Too “touch-feely”
• Blue Reframed
– Warm
– Caring,
compassionate
– Romantic
– Creative
– Idealistic
– People person
– Unselfish
– Comfortable,
express with touch
Orange- Reframed
(changes negative to positive and helps to value diversity)
• Orange Shadow Side • Orange Reframed
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Irresponsible
Flaky
Wishy-washy
Not serious
Disobeying rules
Slippery, not to be
trusted
– Fun loving, enjoys
life
– Spontaneous
– Flexible
– Carefree
– Problem-solvers
– Good negotiators
Green - Reframing
(changes negative to positive and helps to value diversity)
• Green Shadow Side
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Arrogant
Heartless
Ruthless
Unrealistic
Think they are superior
Don’t care about people
Emotionally controlled
Eccentric, weird, nerds
• Green Reframed
– Right a remarkable
percent of time
– Tough minded, logical
– Powerful
– Creative, visionary
– Avoid things they don’t
excel at
– Efficient, don’t show
emotions
– Original, unique
Gold – Reframing
(changes negative to positive and helps to value diversity)
• Gold Shadow Side
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Rigid
Controlling
Dull, Boring
Stubborn
Opinionated
System bound
Not creative
• Gold Reframing
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Stable
Providing stability
Dependable
Firm
Always have a view
Efficient
Realistic
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38%
38%
12%
12%
of
of
of
of
students
students
students
students
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Gold
Orange
Blue
Green
• 70% of teachers = Gold
• 12% of teachers = Blue
• 10% of teachers = Orange
• 8% of teachers = Green
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Teachers
Gold
Blue
Students
Orange
Green
A Question to Ponder……
• Does the American education system favor
one learning style?
• Is it positive or negative?
Famous People
Think about someone who has a
similar personality.
Famous Blues
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Billy Dee Williams
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Jimmy Carter
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Dorothy (Wizard of Oz) •
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Richard Simmons
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Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Marie Osmond
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Julius Caesar
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Halle Berry
Katie Couric
Mariah Caery
Meg Ryan
Michael Jackson
Oprah Winfrey
Princess Diana
Cinderella
Joan Lunden
Julie Andrews
Famous Oranges
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John F. Kennedy
Lucille Ball
James Dean
Charlie Brown
John Wayne
Edith Bunker
Elvis Presley
Mohammed Ali
Tom Cruise
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Bill Clinton
Winston Churchill
Rhett Butler
Cher
Eddie Murphy
Madonna
Mark Twain
Marilyn Monroe
Famous Golds
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Archie Bunker
George Washington
Santa Claus
Joe Friday
Mr. Rogers
Robert Dole
George Bush
Julia Child
Queen Elizabeth
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Luci (Peanuts)
Billy Graham
Connie Chung
Dan Rather
Margaret Thatcher
Nancy Reagan
Rush Limbaugh
Woodrow Wilson
Henry Ford
Famous Greens
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Moses
Abe Lincoln
Thomas Edison
Ben Franklin
Barbara Bush
Al Gore
Larry King
Prince Charles
Steven Spielberg
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Thomas Jefferson
Madam Curie
Douglas McArthur
Johnny Cochran
Mr. Spock (Star Trek)
Albert Einstein
Bill Gates
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Remember……
The Harmony of Colors
• Green - without vision we cannot survive.
• Blue - are the harmonizers and encourages us
to be the best we can be.
• Gold - are the stabilizers of our society.
• Orange - reminds us that life is meant to
be fun and brings a lighter touch.
If students do not
learn the
way we teach……
then let us teach
the way they
learn.
-Kenneth Dunn
• We all have something to contribute to the
world.
• People learn differently.
• Different does not mean wrong.
• Appreciate your own
uniqueness and respect
the same in others.
Which color are you?
Resources
• Introducing Personality Styles Effectiveness Using
the True Colors® Model
– Fred Leafgren Ph.D & Joseph R. Sullivan, M.S.
Richardson, Texas: RAI Communications
• The Corporate Communications Guide: An Effective
Performance Tool for the Business Workplace
– Fred Leafgren, Joseph Sullivan and James
Quakenbush
• Follow Your True Colors to the Work You Love
– Carolyn Kalil
Debbie Hardy, M.Ed.
Director of Assessment & Institutional Effectiveness
Certified Level II Personality Style Effectiveness Trainer
Phillips Community College of the
University of Arkansas
P.O. Box 785
Helena, AR 72342
870-338-6474, ext. 1242
870-338-7542 (fax)
dhardy@pccua.edu
www.pccua.edu/dhardy