As a teacher, it is important that you are able to provide the best possible education for your pupils. Many children learn at a different pace; they will have their own strengths and weaknesses and this may reflect in their personality.
It could even be an indication as to whether they are an introvert or an extrovert, and finding this out sooner rather than later can be a big help in providing a learning program that is best suited to the needs of each child.
Determining whether a child is an introvert or an extrovert allows you to take a more active stance on teaching according to that child’s style. It also help you take important steps into understanding how that child likes to work, more about their mental state and how they express certain emotions, such as frustration or excitement.
Children react to pressure and stimuli in different ways, so what may work for one may not work for the other and it is important to be able to realise this in order to give each child the best possible help.
So how do we go about this?
What makes an Introverted/Extroverted Child?
Sometimes the two can interject, depending on what situation presents itself, but a lot of people are either naturally introverted or extroverted as a characteristic of their personality. A lot depends on what social interactions are present and what is required of the individual, but both introverts and extroverts find particular social situations comforting.
For example the extrovert, in general, are quite social and find it easy to talk to new people. They surround themselves with people and are able to easily draw energy from people around them. They work well in groups and often enjoy activities, both physical and mental. They can sometimes struggle on their own or find it hard to concentrate, and this can cause some frustration.
Introverts on the other hand, draw their energy from being alone, too much interaction can be tiring for introverts and their quiet nature is often mistaken for brooding or being upset. They work fine alone and can sometimes find group work taxing. They are good listeners and are good at processing and taking in information provided.
Different Learning Styles
Like we have preferences in our sleeping position, what foods we prefer and what genre of book we prefer to read, everyone has a different learning style. Learning styles can be grouped into sections, but it is important to be aware that not everyone will pick up things as easily depending on the way in which you teach.
As introverts are good at listening, they prefer mental activities and will be fine sitting quietly. On the other hand, extroverts learn best when challenged with a physical activity and work well when speaking the problem out loud and figuring it out that way. It is important to be able to get an even balance between the two in order to provide the best available for your pupils.
Working in Groups
Group work can prove problematic for both introverts and extroverts. Extroverts may find themselves striding ahead or taking charge when a more balanced approach is needed, whereas introverts may be reluctant to join in group activities and may become withdrawn.
Understanding and a gentle firmness is necessary for all children. While in some situations we may not like working in groups, it is necessary for cognitive and social development. The ability to work in a team is often one that is valued in many situations as well as in the professional world, so learning to work together is essential. Try to take it slow and make sure the activity provides something for every child to do.
Encouraging Positive Behaviour
All Round One of the most important things to remember is that the aspect of a child’s personality that makes them inherently introverted or extroverted is not a thing to be changed or ‘fixed’. Some children learn differently, so by pushing these children out of their comfort zone or convincing them somehow that how they feel when learning in certain ways is ‘bad’, they only start having doubts about themselves.
In the long run this does nothing to help their education or their capacity for learning. By encouraging all forms of learning, you can help children in the way that they feel most comfortable, which leads to happy, healthy pupils all round!
Article provided by Moon Hall College, a specialist school based in Surrey with a dedicated holistic approach to helping pupils with dyslexia.