By Nyrika Nooreyezdan
Introverts are people who draw energy from being alone while extroverts are those who thrive on the company of other people. These two different personality types are commonly seen in everyday life and not all situations suit the two. The way schools teach is bound to make it harder for one of these two groups and as class participation is given higher value and group work is encouraged, schools are becoming much more tailored to the tendencies of an extrovert.
Teachers often use class discussions in order to teach, a method that is quite effective for certain people but uncomfortable when all you want to do is listen and observe. Class participation is something teachers appreciate and look for in students. It can be much easier for an extroverted person to share their thoughts compared to someone who generally keeps to themselves.
Group work in different subjects has become a more frequently used teaching technique as a student’s ability to function in a team is evaluated. While introverts may not necessarily be unable to do so, many tend to prefer working alone. To complete assignments efficiently and gain the most from education can look different for different people. As team projects become more common, it becomes harder for a person who would prefer to learn in a contrasting manner. Even work for subjects that are usually completed by an individual, such as English, are encouraged to be done in small groups.
Leaving your comfort zone and trying to be more adaptable is an important trait to instill in students. However, in some cases there are children who must move out of that comfort zone each time they walk into a classroom. To consistently put a student in a position of discomfort can be detrimental to their ability to focus and learn. Schools should create environments that are comfortable for all students, but they often forget, choosing instead to cater to a small group of students who flourish in an environment that values extraversion.
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