Introverts in the Classroom

by Alan:

It’s not easy being a young student with an introverted personality. Believing that introverts need to “break out of their shells,” some teachers target them by frequently asking them to speak during class discussions. These teachers absolutely think they are helping the students become healthier and more confident. However, introversion is not a disorder or a character flaw. It is a normal personality trait, and targeting introverts in that way punishes them for attending class.

But not every student who appears introverted actually is introverted. Extroverts with low self-confidence can look like introverts and might even describe themselves as introverts. Bolstering self-confidence is a worthwhile teaching goal. So, what can teachers do?

Create a comfortable classroom environment. Allow students to respond with nods and recognize the nods as input. Don’t name the nodders. Gently encourage further participation instead, e.g., briefly make eye contact with each nodder and respond to their messages, “I see some of you agree. Would you like to say why?” If no one wants to explain, that’s okay. Follow up by relating the topics to personal experiences, which are easier to talk about. “Has anyone ever . . . ?” If none of the introverts answer, that’s fine. Teachers can see that they’re involved and participating, and the extroverted students will pick up from there.

For small group work, model small groups first. Discuss the importance of taking turns in small group discussions to ensure that each member’s ideas are heard and incorporated. That’s a good lesson to remind students about even if they’ve practiced it before.

Although there are times when asking everyone to speak is necessary, such as during oral assessments, everyday classroom discussions can be comfortable, productive and educative without punishing introverted students for attending class.

What was student life like for introverts in your school? Did you ever get the feeling that introverts were picked on?