Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
When students have a variety of ways to lean into class discussions, both introverts and extroverts are able to express their ideas and contribute.
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.
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#communicationskills #studentengagement #teachingstrategies
© 2025 George Lucas Educational Foundation
When students have a variety of ways to lean into class discussions, both introverts and extroverts are able to express their ideas and contribute.
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.
For more strategies on communication skills, visit: edutopia.org/topic/communication-skills
Join the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUh
*Follow us here:*
Official Website: edutopia.org
YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopia
Facebook: facebook.com/edutopia
Instagram: instagram.com/edutopia
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/edutopia.org
#communicationskills #studentengagement #teachingstrategies
© 2025 George Lucas Educational Foundation
