Meeting the Needs of Introverted Students With e-Learning
Are you a teacher who is new to e-Learning? Are you worried about making connections with shy students when you are unable to meet them face-to-face? As a teacher you might have wondered how you can help introverted students in the classroom, regardless of whether that classroom is in-person or online.
Introverted students can face struggles in the classroom that are overlooked by many teachers. Sometimes introverted students are afraid to ask questions because they are too shy, which negatively impacts their learning. It is important to familiarize yourself with the needs of both introverted and extroverted students so that everyone has a chance to contribute to the classroom in the way in which they feel comfortable.
The Benefits of Online Classes for Introverts
If you are a teacher whose class is online, you may be in luck; online classes can sometimes help introverts feel more comfortable than in-person classes. Online classes are less fast-paced than in-person classes. Therefore, online classes give students a longer time to process the information they are learning. It has been proven that introverts require more time to process their thoughts because they think greatly before they speak. This slower-paced environment means that introverts are actually given the time they need to think, making them more likely to contribute to the conversation.
Techniques to Help Introverts During e-Learning
Online classes can have valuable resources for introverts. For example, using online forums to allow students to express themselves through written words allows introverted students to contribute to conversations and voice their opinions. Being able to write their thoughts instead of speaking them is powerful for introverts because it allows them time to process, write, and edit what they want to say, which will reduce their anxiety; this way, students who prefer to be left out of the spotlight can contribute in a way that is more comfortable for them.
Additionally, e-Learning allows introverts to practice skills that will be applicable to the workforce. These life-skills can help students become more comfortable with facing new situations. Extroverts may embrace change and become excited about new experiences; introverts, on the other hand, experience extreme anxiety about the unknown. For example, extroverts entering a new job may be excited to ask questions and learn new things. Introverts, while also learning things, can be afraid to ask necessary questions, which will lead to mistakes.
Familiarizing introverts with technology that they may need in the future can reduce their anxiety so they can learn easier and be more confident in themselves.
Remember, introverts have insights and opinions that are just as valuable as extroverts; they just might need more time and different ways to express these ideas. It is important to accept introverted children as they are instead of forcing them into the mold of an extrovert. e-Learning is a great resource for helping introverted students become more comfortable in the classroom and become more confident in themselves.