Empowering Introverted Students - Build Confidence through Curiosity

Empowering Introverted Students: Build Confidence through Curiosity

Classrooms should be like "think tanks" where students collaborate on ideas and expand their knowledge together. However, not every student feels comfortable socialising or speaking up in class.

Susan Cain, a recognised lecturer and author of the book called “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking” suggests that sometimes the quietest people can have the biggest ideas.

In this article, we will address the differences between introverted and extroverted students and the strategies to help quieter students contribute to group discussions. But how do introverted and extroverted students contribute in a classroom setting?

Introversion means an individual loses energy from being in a group or social environment and gains energy through working alone, while extroverts are the opposite of that, feeding off the energy of others.

An introverted student will likely listen and take a back seat in social situations rather than seek a dialogue. An extroverted student will likely feel more confident about contributing to group discussions.

Below are strategies to help unlock the potential of introspective minds and nurture diverse expression in the classroom.

Providing Social Tasks

Structured interactions that require teamwork, such as group presentations and research tasks, can gently build a sense of confidence in your students if handled correctly. Start with smaller set-ups of 2-4 students, also limit the expectations,

Implementing strategies like 'think-pair-share' have shown promise, in which students reflect on a prompt by themselves, then discussing it with a partner before finally speaking to the class. It's an approach that marries solitary reflection with cooperative dialogue.

Valuing Communication Forms

Recognising that some students articulate their thoughts more coherently in writing can be pivotal. Encouraging written discussions can help these learners find their voice, which can gradually translate into more active verbal participation. This can take many forms, such as a group whiteboard in which students can contribute questions or answers, interacting but on a spaced-out and non-verbal level. Furthermore, encourage your students to write anonymous letters that can be tackled by the whole class. This allows quieter students to ask the questions they need or propose an interesting idea without the pressure of presenting the discussion.

Opportunities for Self-Expression

When students encounter creative tasks that they genuinely connect with, they can feel free and passionate about their work. Tap into this by designing assignments that spark individual interests and provide multiple avenues for students to showcase their understanding and add their personal touch to the work.

Classroom Organisation

A thoughtful classroom layout can accommodate both collaborative learning and individual exploration. Rotating seating plans encourages new interpersonal dynamics and may help students find a friend or collaborator they wouldn’t have otherwise spoken to. Leaving space around the room can help students continue to research in solitude should socialising become overwhelming.

Accessibility to Resources

By providing access to well-curated resources, such as insightful articles, video content, or self-help platforms, you can empower students to independently seek the educational support they need.

While you will want your students’ confidence to increase, you are not trying to turn an introvert into an extrovert; you are merely expanding the ways you can cater to both types. The next step is encouraging students to collaborate, building trust, and evolving your classroom’s design.

Join the conversation on empowering introverted students. Share your insights and experiences with us. Together, let’s continue our efforts to nurture every student, no matter their needs.