1 About this module

• Prerequisites:
• Objectives: This module analyzes what it is like to take a class from Tak and how to succeed (no guarantees!).

2 Personality types and why

You are highly recommended to first find out your own personality types if you have not done so already. Specifically, get your MBTI (Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator), which consists of four letters. Many websites let you take personality tests for free, for example, http://16personalities.com is one.

There are many reasons to do this. In the short run, you will be able to identify your personality and discover how you may communicate with me most effectively based on my personality type. You will also know about your strengths and weaknesses, particularly in the context of my classes.

In the long run, knowing your own personality type can help guide you through life. While your MBTI does not dictate your fate in any way, it does generally show you options to consider and guide your growth.

No personality type is good nor bad, it is a matter of matching a type with careers, lifestyles, values and etc. All types can continue to grow to become more well-rounded and get to enjoy life in a more content and complete way.

3 Type compatibility and math/computer science

While anyone of any personality type can decide to take on math and computer science, there are some types where the inherent type-strength aligns with the studying of math and computer science. That being said, even if nature favors something, nurture is still very important to succeed in the end.

• xNTx: these thinking types are generally suitable to STEM subject areas. While there are some minor difference, such differences are not significantly enough at this level of education.
• xNFx: using a “F” to substitute the “T” that emphasizes the application of logic, xNFx types can, for the most part, use the intuition to learn quickly, make concept connections and apply learned concepts. Without the “T” part, however, thinking in the hard and cold framework of logic can be more challenging. The “F” component also means these types tend to prefer to work and learn with others in a group.
• xSTx: these types are logical, but prefer to work with concrete fact-based subjects instead of abstract concepts. The key is to use concrete examples to learn concepts. Use examples that have real-life applications, real numbers, and real implications.
• xSFx: math and computer science can be challenging to these types. xSFJ types tend to use memorization and hard working as strengths to get through classes, while XSFP types tend to use creativity as their strengths.

Note that I am not suggesting anyone to change major due to his/her MBTI! For example, an ISFJ person may not be the most effective developer or computer scientist in a team. However, this person is an exceptional candidate as a coordinating project manager, making sure deadlines are met, loose ends are tied, quality is assured and the team is supported.

Likewise, an ESFP is probably not going to be a star developer or system administrator. However, an ESFP team member can contribute much to the communication with customers, writing technical manuals and guide to use a product, designing smart and effective user interface, and just about anything that is practical and creative!

4 Tak is an INTP

INTP is my MBTI, you can look it up and figure out what it is. I will include a short summary here regarding what about INTP that is relevant of teaching classes.

• I: Introvert. This means I am less likely to start conversations than extraverts. However, I am very willing to answer questions and provide assistance that is within my capabilities.
• N: iNtuitive. This means I connect concepts and ideas readily without thinking much. I focus on theories and abstractions. The down side is that I don’t pay as much attention to facts, numbers and details. My intuition is extraverted, meaning that I like to explore new ideas, new ways.
• T: Thinking. This means I use logic and reasoning to evaluate, judge and decide how to proceed. My thinking is also “introverted”, meaning that I seek internal logical consistency and like to boils thing down to the very elemental form. The down side is that I am not very feeling-oriented and may not be able to read people as well as some other types.
• P: Perceiving. This means outwardly, I seem to be more perceiving than judging. I tend to takes things in as they are and do not apply judgement. This also means I am not very structured and have relatively few expectations.

5 INTP teacher to various student types

• xNTP: you are likely to find my classes interesting, especially the digressions! However, you also need to make sure you apply effort to succeed in any class, including mine. The key is that I need to know how well you understand and be able to apply the concepts.
• xNTJ: you may find my digressions a little annoying, but you will not have too much problem understanding the concepts. You probably want more exercises and things to do, just keep reminding me to give you assignments.
• xNFJ: you have a strong introverted intuition, meaning that you will find it easy to intuitively understand concepts. However, you may need some extra effort to understand concepts at a deeper level.
• xNFP: you have a strong extraverted intuition that is well suited finding patterns. In my classes, you may want to go over examples and find the patterns within the examples.
• xSTx: you are fact-based and logic-based. You probably find the logical part of my classes easy to handle, especially with concrete examples. Ask me for more examples if you find the discussions a little too abstract!
• xSFJ: you are probably hard working, have a good memory and like to study with other students. Studying with other students can be very beneficial to you as you have unique contributions of remembering details of my lectures. You may find my digressions distracting, so ignore my digressions, or ask whether it is a part of the class or just a digression! Studying hard in a traditional sense may not be effective in my classes, you may find studying with a xNTx study buddy to be very beneficial.
• xSFP: you are independent and do not like hard rules like those of math and logic! So, you may want to focus on what the hard rules can be applied, instead of the rules themselves. Hard rules in math and computer science can be applied in creative, artistic and even humanatarian ways. If you focus on the end result, then go back to work on the hard rules, the task may not seem as daunting and challenging.