How to Engage Introverted Learners

Western culture rewards extroverts in many situations, and despite growing knowledge of the differences between extroverts and introverts, there tends to still be misunderstanding around how introverts respond to the world around them—quietness is often mistaken for shyness or lack of interest. In the classroom in particular, active, vocal participation is often equated with being more engaged, but introverted learners may be engaging with content just as rigorously in ways that are not as obvious to teachers. 

High school English teacher Brett Vogelsinger has used a discussion scaffolding technique called “White Snow, Yellow Snow” to help provide a structure for sharing ideas in a way that is more predictable and friendly to both extroverted and introverted students. Within this structure, students can raise a white card to indicate that they have a new idea, or they can raise a yellow card to revisit a previous idea. Using simple tools such as colored index cards to cue paths for speaking can help create an environment where all learners feel comfortable using their voice. 

Additionally, teachers can look for any opportunities to create space for writing ideas down or sharing thoughts via different mediums like message boards or chats. This can open up avenues for introverted learners to take part in ways that are better suited to their wiring—being able to write down thoughts before sharing aloud can make all the difference for a student who finds it difficult to just jump into an active conversation. 

Though introverted learners may engage in the classroom in less visible ways, discussion strategies that offer different kinds of opportunities to express ideas provide a path for more students to be seen and valued. 

For more ideas about how to support introverted learners in the classroom, read Katy Farber’s article for Edutopia, “Creating Paths to Participation for Introverts,” or Bekah Landfair’s piece, “Introvert-Friendly Cooperative Learning.”