
At Colorado Career Advising, we help students build essential skills for their future careers. One of the most important abilities in any profession is focus and effective learning. But studying isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.
This activity guides students through a self-discovery process using DISC and Motivators to identify study techniques that align with their natural strengths, setting them up for long-term success.
The Goal: | Rather than simply building a study habit, this exercise encourages students to uncover the methods that best support their learning style. By examining their study preferences through the lens of DISC and Motivators, they will gain valuable self-awareness and discover strategies that make studying more effective and enjoyable. |
Materials
Colorado Career Advising Tool Results
Step 1: Group Students by DISC Personality Traits
Divide students into groups of 3-4 based on their top DISC score (can be found on the Results Summary tab or your DISC Profile tab). In their groups, have students discuss the following questions:
What study techniques have worked well for you in the past? Which ones haven’t?
What kind of study environment helps you focus best?
Can you recall a time when you had a great study session? What made it effective?
Based on your DISC traits, what study methods might align best with your natural strengths?
Note: Grouping similar DISC styles together helps students recognize shared preferences, but differences will still exist. For example, in a High D group, one student who is also High I might prefer studying with friends through competitive quizzes, while a High D, High C student might prefer intense, independent study with structured note cards. Encourage students to explore different approaches within their groups.
Step 2: Group Students by Motivators
Rearrange students into groups based on their top Motivator (found on the Results Summary tab or in the What Motivates You tab) and have them answer the questions below. The goal is to get students thinking about ways to tie things they have to do or study for into their top Motivators, and think of things they can pursue in the future that fit what drives them.
What type of projects and assignments motivate you? Which type bore you?
How do you stay engaged when working on something that doesn’t naturally motivate you?
How can you apply your top 1-2 Motivators to your studying so that you are more engaged?
Step 3: Identify and Apply Personalized Study Strategies
Ask students to write down three new study tips based on what they learned from their DISC and Motivators discussions. If the tips align with both the DISC style and Motivators, even better!
Step 4: Share & Wrap-Up
Bring all groups back together and have students share their top study tips with the class. Facilitate a discussion about the different methods students discovered and how they can use these insights moving forward.
Optional: Share the article below with students for general study tips. You can also share your own favorite study strategies to encourage further discussion.

This blog is a rebranded version of “Indigo College and Career Activity: The Hot Seat (Interview Practice)“, originally published by Indigo Education Company and now adapted for Colorado Career Advising. For questions, contact us at info@coloradocareeradvising.com.
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