Dive Brief:
- Because Common Core-aligned standards stress collaboration and communication, introverted students might fare worse than their extroverted peers.
- A reported one-third of people are introverts, and students who fall into that category prefer working on their own in "quieter, more low-key environments," according to District Administration.
- Jill Berkowicz, co-founder of The STEM Shift, says that lessons shouldn't connect academic success with common extrovert or introvert traits, like "quickly answering questions aloud" or "speaking quietly."
Dive Insight:
Previously, introverted students could be "invisible during lessons but achieve on tests," according to District Administration. But this isn't the case anymore.
One way for educators to make sure they're reaching all students is to diversify lesson planning so that group work and quiet individual study time are equally valued.
Balancing the professional participation of introverts and extroverts also matters for adults in district leadership. "The first person who speaks [in meetings] has an influence over everyone else who participates and on what other ideas are voiced," Ann Myers, the other co-founder of The STEM Shift, told District Administration. She suggests having colleagues write down ideas to share instead of having one loud voice dominate professional settings.