A toughie...
I've only taught this class once before and I learn best in lectures, as I'm not big on group projects or discussion. My ol' introvert coming out! But I want to have a more active learning environment. I don't usually have a problem garnering discussion, but I think even a change in the classroom layout may be in order...
Hi Althea,
Try new ways of teaching! Your extroverts will love the engaging activities, such as role playing, games, scenarios, simulations, mock learning, etc.
Patricia Scales
In a class as large as I tend to get (around 60)I find that there are always a pretty good amount of extrovert students who will be of big help when trying to attempt active learning. These students are always willing to be group leaders and or facilitators under my direction. Students who are introverts tend to feel more comfortable sharing with other students and may not feel as comfortable with the instructor. This barrier is much easier to crumble with other willing students. Introverts will always of course be a little uncomfortable when in an environment where they must share their opinions. The leaders of the group who feel more comfortable can be the designated speaker for the group where the introverts dont have to be in the spotlight yet be heard.
I tried playing "Hollywood Squares" with the lecture content the last 30 minutes of class and the students loved it. I was worried that they might think of it as being junvenile, but it really engaged EVERY student in the classroom. We ended up laughing, learning and having a great time.
Hi Cherie,
This is what learning is all about, have fun while learning. Students love it when learning is made fun.
Patricia Scales
Hi Mark,
Each of us has a role. I always accept my students for who they are. I do as you do, I have my extroverts as the leaders and my introverts they take more of a back seat. It is important to know who your students are.
Patricia Scales
I'm an extrovert and I can tell you that if you open discussion to your students as to some of their own ideas on how they learn, you will get a lot of good ideas. I always get input from my students and I try out some of their suggestions to see if it works for others.
Something I like to do in the begining of a class module is start with small groups and small projects until everyone starts getting comfortable with each other including myself.
Hi Mary,
Starting off small is a smart move because it is a win-win situation for all involved.
Patricia Scales
I think that this approach depends on what subject is being taught.
I know that as a communications, speech instructor I do not have the luxury of letting introverts take a back seat since one of the course objectives I have is to increase each student's comfort and skills in speaking in front of groups.
One of my ways for establishing this early in the class, is to have each student introduce a peer to the group based on the game two truths and a lie-- I've found that by creating a distinction between the presenter and the source of information takes some of the anxiety away since they are not personally sharing any thing when they are "on-stage."
Having established that first success, I can then use that momentum to keep students engaged and participating in groups where they can choose to take a less active role -- my group presentations are always planned out by the groups, rather than by following a template I provide so they can "own" the presentation and the decisions being made.
Later, individuals make their first presentations to smaller groups that provide feedback-- then the larger group.
Hi David,
I love having students do mini speeches in my class to help build their confidence when it is time to give with they call their big 5-minute speech. We start by giving 30-second speeches, 1-minute speechecs, 1-minute and 30-second speeches, etc. The growth is phenomenal.
Patricia Scales
