Amidst the pandemic, individuals around the world were told to stay home for the safety of those in their respective countries. Most if not all introverts were happy about the fact that they were given the opportunity to stay far away from civilization. While on the other hand, the extroverts were not happy to do the same, to say the least.
Part of the majority that had to stay home were students. From preschool to university, these students had to endure the pain of sitting in front of a camera. At the same time not having the ability to move around much except for occasional breaks.
You may know of some friends who long to hang out with their friends and go out to the movies together or other friends who rather stay home and cuddle with a book; there are even those who fall in the middle. But what are the differences between both groups when it comes to online school and how does knowing this help teachers improve their lessons?
Getting To Know the Introverts and Extroverts
Introverts
The introverted students would most probably be the ones to enjoy online classes the most.
- Firstly, as mentioned before, online classes do not require your physical presence. This means that you can still study face to face with your teachers but at the same time not come in contact with any human.
- Secondly, learning is more self-paced. Not all students move at the same speed when it comes to learning. This is beneficial for introverted students as they can ask questions on their own accord more than they would in school, physically.
- Thirdly, e-learning does not really require the student to talk unless it’s the time for questions or presentations. Introverts try avoiding every opportunity they get to converse with someone. Thus, the more writing, less talking rule works out for them.
- Lastly, these introverted students are given the venue to have control over their learning. Introverts are more likely to go through with a plan of independent studying which includes figuring things out on their own. E-learning gives them the perfect revenue to do so.
Extroverts
Moving on to the extroverts, who love people and conversations. Extroverts usually do not like the idea of being confined within a certain group as they love putting themselves out there. This makes competing for people to notice them hard through a camera. This may limit their ability to cope with their online classes which in turn affects their grades.
So, you probably have realized by now that e-learning works in the favor of introverts rather than extroverts and vice versa at times. The most important thing teachers should keep in mind is to weigh the needs of both groups. This allows both parties to feel equally important especially in times of confinement mentally and physically.
Before planning their classes, teachers should consider taking the time to understand their class. This allows them to prepare beneficial material that engages them.
What exactly is it that teachers can do to keep both parties engaged during class?
1. Group Works
One of the most helpful ways for students to collaborate is through group works. This helps extroverted students share their ideas openly and help discussions go on. But, make sure that these group works are done in small groups to aid the introverts. This allows each student to complete their delegated tasks whilst they bask in the environment they are put in.
2. Hotline Sessions
When it comes to asking questions, extroverts may have no fear in doing so but it might be otherwise for the introverts. Teachers should consider setting up a hotline session in which students can join to ask them questions regarding their lessons. This allows introverts who do not prefer to ask questions in front of a big group of people to do so with their teacher with privacy.
3. In-Class Presentations
When it comes to presentations, try to not pressure your students into speaking louder especially if you know that they are the quiet ones. This may lower down the self-esteem of introverts as they do not prefer being confronted in front of a big group of people. Rather teachers can try to use the chat function to ask questions.
4. Keeping Track of Assignments
Advise your students to keep track of their workload. This allows them to follow through with all of their assignments and if they have any questions regarding any of it, they can always ask you. This makes your life and their life easier.
5. Engaging the Students
Try engaging your students through educational games such as Kahoot! to keep the lessons fun. This not only allows students to feel the need to learn more but also it brings out the competitive side of the extroverts. This brings out the friendly competition spirits in all your students.
The pandemic has affected all of us mentally and physically. If the teachers are feeling like they are pressured, it is advisable to voice it out to your students if they are at the level to understand you. This allows them to be disciplined to a certain level to not make your life hard.
If you have any concerns regarding the student’s grade or wellbeing, teachers can always contact their parents; not to complain but rather have a conversation on how you can help him/her.
Students respect teachers and their efforts to continue educating us through this tough time. Though some may not realize it now, they will end up thanking you when they grow up. It may take them time to understand the severity of the pandemic and how it has affected your job. On behalf of students’ around the world, thank you teachers.
