Are you an Innie? Do you leave a party happy, but drained?
Or are you an Outie? Do you feel energised by meeting lots of new people?
This very simplistic dichotomy has started lots of new conversations for me recently. As an extrovert, married to an introvert (quite a common pairing!), I have become obsessed with the ideas raised in Susan Cain’s book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a world that won’t stop talking. I have written about it’s impact in a previous blog post, read around the neuroscience, and talked to adults and children about introverts and extroverts.
At #CampED15 last weekend, Leisle (Mrs Ezekiel) and I ran a workshop on this topic, with parents and children. Of all the ‘teachmeeters’, bloggers, tweeters, and their families, it seemed that all the introverts came to our table, set calmly with colouring pencils and paper, while the extroverts seemed to club together to do a much more active task.
Thanks to Dawn Hallybone for sharing all the lovely pics from the weekend, of which this is one!
Of course, there is a spectrum between the two extremes and, depending on context, individuals might change, even within a day. There are excellent articles out there, helping to understand both introversion and extroversion better: try clicking here to start that journey for yourself
From http://introvertsdilemma.com/2012/06/how-to-care-for-introvertsextroverts/
One of the best aspects of our session at CampED15 was how clearly people reacted to the chance to draw a picture to show how they would spend their dream day. Our introverts clearly drew themselves, happy and focussed on a task, without being disturbed by other people! These were not people ‘alone’. They were recharging and revelling in the opportunity to live a rich inner life. My picture of myself cooking for friends with a dancefloor in the background was huge contrast to the gentle, isolated beach scenes of others in the group.
When I asked kids and adults how many people they thought were introverted, most assumed a minority, 30% or so. When we discussed the downsides of a mismatch between type and work/learning environment (stresses, and fatigue), most raised that number as they recognised more and more people they knew.
We also discussed the negative vocabulary around introverts: shy, loners, misfits, partypoopers, etc. One of the teachers noted that we tend to call these kids the ‘Good’ ones; but that this a very simplistic label which means that although they might not be much trouble, we do not help them thrive by providing the setting or time for them to be at their best.
It is not just about the quiet introverts missing out on all the social learning and fun. We must consider the way we frame teaching, learning and assessment for both types: and this is as important for staff and children.
For example, we place enormous pressure on assessments where kids sit alone for hours, expected to carefully consider detailed answers, without interacting with anyone; after months of revising (which they are told is best done alone!). Now this might suit introverts, but is a real killer for extroverts!
Introversion is not the same as shyness, and we often treat introverts as though they are brittle. Just because a child is quiet and good at the exams, does not mean they should not be challenged to shine throughout the week. Not all members of staff want to lead insets, speak up at a staff meeting or blog. Instead of expecting people to be good at everything, why not allow colleagues to play to their strengths; for example to dive into the data and share with each teacher.
We should be showing children positive role models for both extroverts and introverts; and making schools a place where they can learn what they need from the environment, and people they work with.
If you’d be interested in hearing more about this topic, or would like me to bring this workshop to your school or organisation, please get in touch.
Thanks again to Bill and Dughall for a fantastic weekend and to all those who came to CampED15.