How to Recognise Introverts in Schools

"A quiet corner found" (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) by  Pesky Library 

Our schools contain a real diversity of people many of whom are introverts. You may think they are easy to spot but not always. Some make a very good job of pretending to be an extrovert at school. But there are a couple of  myths that need quashing first...

Introverts don’t like being with people and find them draining. Wrong! Introverts like social interaction. They like talking about things they are passionate about and can often be the life and soul of the party. However, what happens is they can find the whole process over-stimulating at a sensory level. When this happens introverts need to recharge by spending time alone. Some spend time looking out of the window (a personal favourite of mine.)

You will spot the introvert because they don’t want to speak in public. Wrong! Both introverts and extroverts struggle to cope with the anxiety associated with speaking in front of others. In fact most really good speakers are introverts like actors because public speaking is really an act. Again though, before and after the performance is the time when introverts will need time to recharge. That is a major difference.

If young people know they are introverts and they understand where their strengths lie then you will find them in the quiet spaces when it’s time for a break. They will seek the solace of these recharging points. At lunch time, once the socially acceptable amount of time has been surrendered to the lunch hall, they will be found in small groups with friends or occasionally wandering alone in their own thoughts.

They are the creative hub of the school and are far better at generating ideas and solving problems outside of the hustle and bustle of groups. If you love setting work for groups to “collaborate” then you are missing a trick. There are many ways for young people to collaborate. Be creative or better still ask them how they work best.

Introverts are not a liability. Being a good facilitator is an important part of teaching. Work well with the introverts in your school and they will end up making you all look really good!

Are you an educator? Then maybe it is time for you to find out more about these wonderful people. Doing so will open up new avenues of potential and reduce their silent suffering.

Isn't that worth trying?

John Hassall, Johass