In every classroom, students offer a mix of temperaments: extroverts, introverts, and ambiverts. Some crave sensory stimulation and are quick to speak up, while others are highly sensitive to noise or visual distractions and prefer conversing one-on-one in a quiet, calm environment.
In “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking”, New York Times bestseller author Susan Cain outlines a value system of the “extrovert ideal,” in which individuals that work well in teams, socialize in groups, and prefer action to contemplation are the ideal student.
Embracing the extrovert ideal is a grave mistake, says Cain. Many of the world’s best ideas are fostered by introverts, who fuel their learning with observation and engaging in deliberate practice alone.
Poll Everywhere recently suggested 6 classroom strategies to reach introverted students:
- Institute “Think Time”
- Write Down Responses First
- Pairs, Small Groups, Singles
- Offer Different Paths to Complete an Assignment
- Be Available
- Perform Anonymous Polling
It’s definitely worth a read!
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