Most classrooms favor public speaking and group learning, putting introverts at a disadvantage.
Growing up as an introvert, going to school often meant being in classrooms that felt completely outside my comfort zone. I worried about what I would say during a presentation or which group I would be assigned to. No matter how much I studied or understood the material, it seemed like what really mattered was how comfortable I was speaking in front of the class. I remember feeling so nervous about presentations that I couldn’t focus on what I was learning or even on other groups’ presentations.
This continued in college, although we could choose our classes. I remember dropping and switching quite a few classes on the first day when I realized how many presentations and group projects would be required. Professors would sometimes base grades on participation (an introvert’s nightmare). For a while, this kept me from taking certain classes altogether.
While I agree that public speaking skills are important and help students prepare for their future careers and everyday lives, I feel there should be more balance. Some people learn best when working independently, while others thrive in groups. However, classes often seem geared toward those who prefer group work. In other words, extroverted learning styles tend to be the norm, while introverted learning styles are less accommodated.
What Are Introverted Learning Styles?
Introverted learning styles generally involve a preference for reflection and deep thinking. In the classroom, this often translates to a desire to work independently. According to one university, introverts tend to have a “solitary learning style,” where they like to brainstorm and consider all angles internally before moving forward. They also often prefer discussing ideas one-on-one rather than in large groups.
As introverts, being constantly encouraged to “speak up” and socialize during group work can lead to stress or anxiety. This pressure can hinder our ability to work effectively and focus on tasks. When we’re able to work in our own space — and in our preferred way — we’re often more productive, allowing our genuine thoughts and creativity to emerge in our work.
How Schools Tend to Favor Extroverted Learning Styles
In her interview for The Guardian, Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, discusses how education tends to favor extroverts. She points out that large classes can feel overstimulating for introverts. Cain says, “The best way of teaching, in general, is one on one, but that’s not something everyone can afford. So, school ends up becoming this place where introverted kids learn that they have to act like extroverts.”
In her TED Talk, The Power of Introverts, Cain says that kids who prefer working alone are often seen as “outliers often or, worse, as problem cases.” She explains that although introverts tend to get better grades, most teachers report favoring extroverted qualities in their ideal student.
For students who don’t fit this mold, school can feel like a negative experience — especially when teachers view introversion as something to change rather than understand or embrace. In her Introvert, Dear article on things teachers should know about introverted students, Kayla Mueller shares her school experiences. She highlights what teachers should consider, such as introverts’ preference for working independently, and reminds them there’s nothing wrong with the way introverts are.
In general, the way classrooms are structured can feel overwhelming for introverts. Often, desks are arranged for group work, with a constant focus on discussion over independent reflection. This setup can feel unnatural to introverted students, who may also lose points for not participating as much or for using notes during presentations — unlike their extroverted peers, who are often more comfortable speaking spontaneously.
In her book, Republic of Noise: The Loss of Solitude in Schools and Culture, Diana Senechal writes about the essential role of solitude in human life. She argues that solitude is vital in areas like education and relationships. Senechal believes that many teaching methods don’t allow for the independent thinking and focus needed for creativity and critical analysis.
What Can Be Done to Change Classroom Learning Styles
Schools that favor extroverted learning styles can disadvantage introverts, limiting their potential and the unique impact they can make in the world. In a Psychology Today article, licensed psychotherapist Allison Abrams notes, “While [introverts] may be the quiet ones in the group, one of the greatest strengths introverts possess is a keen power of observation. The best leaders are the best communicators, and the best communicators know how to listen.”
By adapting certain teaching methods, teachers can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for all students, including introverts. Here are a few strategies:
- Give students a choice. It helps when students have some choice in whether or not they share their ideas with the class and when they do so. If participation is required on the spot to pass the class, introverts might feel nervous and find it harder to focus or perform at their best. However, if participation is optional and a way to earn additional points, they’ll have more time to think and are more likely to find ideas to share.
- Create a safe space for participation. As introverts, we’re more likely to participate if the classroom feels like a safe space where we can speak up — and if we feel encouraged to do so. When other students — or the teacher — imply that we are “too quiet” or don’t know as much just because we don’t speak up, it can discourage us from joining discussions. Positive feedback and encouragement can go a long way in helping us feel more comfortable and confident in participating.
- Balance group work and individual work. It helps to balance classroom time between individual and group work to accommodate different learning styles. For example, teachers could set aside journaling time for students to reflect, or allow students to think on their own first before getting into small groups to share. Another way to help introverts process ideas ahead of time is to introduce topics the day before or provide a clear agenda beforehand.
How Introverts Can Adapt in the Meantime
Much can still be done in how schools approach students’ different learning styles. In the meantime, introverts shouldn’t feel like they don’t have control over the situation. We need to take control and do what is needed to get the most out of our education.
One thing that can help is being as prepared as possible. By reading the material and familiarizing ourselves with the questions in our homework or classwork, we can make it easier to speak up in discussions. We can even ask our teachers about the next day’s (or week’s) agenda in advance.
Another helpful strategy is listening to what someone says in a discussion and sharing our own observations based on that. I learned this in one of my college classes, where the professor referred to it as “piggybacking” your answers. This doesn’t mean taking the other person’s idea; instead, it involves adding to the idea and sharing what we think about it. I found this helpful for coming up with answers on the spot.
Our mindset also plays a big role in building the confidence to speak up in discussions or group work. If we think we don’t have anything valuable to contribute, it will be harder for us to think of something and want to share it. However, we should remember that our opinions matter, and our response doesn’t need to be perfect (even though we introverts tend to be perfectionists). As in other situations in life, our mindset in the classroom can affect what we do and how we act. A change in perspective can help us feel better and improve things like our participation and performance in class.
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Small Changes Can Have a Big Impact
Schools may be geared toward extroverts, but that doesn’t mean introverts can’t get the most out of their academic experience. There is still much work to be done, but even one teacher’s style can create change for introverts and impact many students’ lives. While working together with classmates through group work is an important skill to learn, classrooms could be better designed to accommodate all learning styles and incorporate different types of learning. It’s important that all students feel valued, heard, and understood. It’s also essential for us to challenge ourselves with what we do have control over.
What is publicly discussed by teachers, students, or former students can greatly impact how others view the situation, what is being done to change it, and how current introverted students feel about their classes. It’s important to do what we can individually while also working toward changing the bigger picture. Even if you don’t see the changes you’d like, you can be the change and have a positive impact — both in and out of the classroom. 
