Understanding student personality trends for curriculum development

Final Paper pdf 74KB

Keirsey’s personality test was administered to our students in introductory civil engineering course to help students realize their personalities over the past six years. A similar evaluation was performed for those approaching graduation. In addition, data collected from our senior civil and environmental engineering students was evaluated to understand the trends of different personalities in our student population and the student evolvement through our civil engineering curricula. We examine the impact of student personality on overall activities and effectiveness of the program and student performance and development through their graduation. Further, the authors examine if changes in program structure will impact the diversity of students, as defined by their temperament, who graduate from that program. This article presents the outcomes/observations and learning lessons from data evaluation and correlates with potential modifications to the overall curriculum to enhance student learning experiences and career development and preparedness to the professional careers.

Author(s):

Veera Gnaneswar Gude    
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Mississippi State University
United States

Seamus Freyne    
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Mississippi State University
United States

Dennis Truax    
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Mississippi State University
United States