{"id":6235,"date":"2014-01-30T20:01:18","date_gmt":"2014-01-30T20:01:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/eltchat.org\/wordpress\/?p=6235"},"modified":"2014-01-30T20:01:18","modified_gmt":"2014-01-30T20:01:18","slug":"can-introverts-be-good-language-teachers-eltchat-summary-29012014","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eltchat.org\/index.php\/2014\/01\/30\/can-introverts-be-good-language-teachers-eltchat-summary-29012014\/","title":{"rendered":"Can introverts be good language teachers? #ELTchat Summary 29\/01\/2014"},"content":{"rendered":"

An interesting topic for the first late-night chat of 2014 which got lots of people madly typing away at their keyboards or keypads.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\"The<\/a>
\nPhoto Credit:\u00a0Hartwig HKD<\/a>\u00a0via\u00a0Compfight<\/a><\/small><\/p>\n

@Theteacherjames <\/strong>started off by adding to the above question with \u2018How can introverted teachers satisfy their students\u2019 expectations?\u2019 which was answered by @hartle <\/strong>who asked \u2018Do you have to be extrovert, then, to be able to teach? What about online e-moderation? Maybe that’s better for shy teachers?\u2019 \u00a0@perikleis <\/strong>added a new thought, \u2018<\/strong>Maybe some introverted students look for a teacher with such a profile! It\u2019s an idea, right?\u2019 which was followed by @MarjorieRosenbe with \u2018<\/strong>Wonder if introverted sts prefer introverted teachers.\u2019 and @<\/b>SueAnnan <\/strong>added, \u2018One of my colleagues was an introvert- but an excellent teacher. Little TTT allowed the sts to speak.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The topic changed somewhat when @josipa74 <\/strong>answered the original question posed by the chat by saying: Doesn’t the question imply that they can’t?\u2019 to which @theteacherjames <\/strong>replied \u2018<\/strong>This is a very interesting question. But the first thing we have to say is that introvert does not equal shy!\u2019 And the introverted teachers were also defended by @uniquelanguages<\/strong> who said: \u2018<\/strong>Of course they\/we can.\u00a0Playing a role\u2019, a concept seconded by @theteacherjames \u2018Agree! I suspect many of us have a ‘teacher persona’ which is quite distinct from our private selves.\u2019 @<\/strong>perikleis <\/strong>continued in the same vein with \u2018After all they don\u2019t need to reveal many aspects of their personality during classroom time!\u2019 which was echoed by @esolcourses \u2018T<\/strong>he same probably goes for presenting in many cases, too.\u2019 Looking at the other side of this argument @theteacherjames <\/strong>said \u2018I don\u2019t know. I\u2019m not very comfortable with the idea of being someone else with my students. I think I\u2019m me!\u2019 to which @SueAnnan answered, \u2018<\/strong>I think I’m me too, but a bit more energy :-)\u2019 @hartle <\/strong>added, \u2018I agree that most people have a classroom persona. It is a type of role play, after all.\u2019 @Esolcourses <\/strong>agreed, \u2018For instance, if I’m having a bad day otherwise, that stays outside the classroom, etc.\u2019 and \u00a0@Theteacherjames <\/strong>said, \u2018Sure, I\u2019d agree with that. It\u2019s part of getting the job done!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What is an introvert? Definitions!<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

@PETsNet<\/strong>\u00a0added another definition to the conversation: \u2018Introverts and extroverts differ in the level of outside stimulation that they need to function well,\u2019 (Susan Cain) and @MicaelaCarey<\/strong> offered http:\/\/t.co\/SkywZKHHwm<\/a>\u00a0 some myths about introversion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

@elawassell <\/strong>commented \u2018Apparently nobody is 100% introvert or extrovert. People are all over the spectrum.\u2019 and went on to say delving further into defining the term<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

@theteacherjames<\/strong> added, \u2018Yes, being introverted doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re afraid of speaking in public.\u2019 @joannacre <\/strong>then said, \u2018So based on this definition, they can do one to one sessions but class sessions are draining?\u2019 which was answered by @theteacherjames, \u2018<\/strong>Maybe, depends on the person. I don\u2019t find it draining because my classes are calm (I teach adults) but @josipa74 <\/strong>added \u2018<\/strong>I find 1-2-1 classes much more draining!\u2019. @perikleis <\/strong>then asked, \u2018M<\/strong>aybe you have trouble socializing with ur students! Is this a good thing though? @josipa74 <\/strong>gave a personal example by commenting. \u2018My wife is a definite introvert and she’s a teacher!\u2019 and @hartle <\/strong>asked, \u2018How does your wife deal with classes then?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

josipa74<\/strong> replied, \u2018She’s just herself\u00a0 – she’s very logical and methodical, that\u2019’s her way.\u2019 @ theteacherjames <\/strong>went on to say, \u2018Good question, but it doesn\u2019t mean introverts can\u2019t work with others, they might just prefer more individualised work\u2019. @HanaTicha <\/strong>also replied to\u00a0@josipa74<\/strong> by emphasizing, \u2018I said generally \ud83d\ude42 just my impression. I know some introvert teachers as well.\u2019 @elawassell<\/strong> added. \u2018Ha, maybe that’s why I love teaching 1:1? \ud83d\ude42 I’m secretly an introvert; http:\/\/t.co\/Y9YOHqlfnp<\/a>.\u2019 to which @Theteacherjames <\/strong>replied, \u2018<\/strong>Introverts are not anti-social &amp; can get on well with people. They prefer smaller conversations.\u2019 and @Perikleis <\/strong>said, \u2018S<\/strong>o this means that they are into a different kind of teaching.\u2019\u00a0 @<\/b>elawassell <\/strong>added a link http:\/\/t.co\/odkyWTgB6G<\/a> and said, \u2018I’m sure you’ve see this talk, but just posting it for the record.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two sides of the Coin<\/h1>\n

Some of us began to look at both sides of the coin. @MarjorieRosenbe <\/strong>noted that \u2018<\/strong>Sometimes extroverted teachers are overwhelming for sts.\u2019 Several participants in the chat agreed with this such as @HanaTicha <\/strong>who commented,<\/strong> \u2018Totally agree. It’s taken me a lot of effort to calm down and become more introverted (I’m a definite extrovert).\u2019 and @vickyloras<\/strong> said \u2018Me too, Hana – at the start I was too much for the sts.\u2019 and @MarjorieRosenbe <\/strong>agreed, \u2018I probably was too but it was evening adult education and some were happy to just sit and listen.\u2019 which @Theteacherjames<\/strong> confirmed, \u2018Yes. I teach adults who\u2019ve been at work all day so I they don\u2019t really want to be up and moving too much!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

@SueAnnan <\/strong>commented, \u2018<\/strong>Horses for Courses. I find that you need all kinds of people for all kinds of classes.\u2019 @theteacherjames agreed, \u2018<\/strong>Yes, we do! There isn\u2019t much \u201cshowtime\u201d in my lessons, but there\u2019s a lot of real conversation.\u2019 and @ChristineMulla<\/strong> \u2018I guess you’re probably on to sth there. I suppose it’s just a different environment, calmer maybe?\u2019 to which @fielsted<\/strong> added, \u2018Cd be an advantage-more inclined to allow sts to talk to 1another rather than joining in?\u2019 @theteacherjames<\/strong> replied \u2018It could be, although I feel comfortable talking with my sts so doesn\u2019t apply to me!\u2019 and @perikleis<\/strong> said, \u2018That sounds more intimate to me than wasting time over “unnecessary” things!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Questions, Questions!<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Other questions soon popped up such as @josipa74 \u2018<\/strong>Do learners care about this?\u2019 or @josipa74<\/strong> \u2018Isn\u2019t the root of the word – education – ‘to draw out’. Does being an introvert\/ extrovert have much to do with this?\u2019 @esolcourses<\/strong> commented \u2018IMO, ‘showtime’ isn’t necessarily a good thing. Bells & whistles often don’t equate with learning ;-)\u2019 @hartle <\/strong>then summed up with \u2018So what we need is balance in a teacher. Professional behaviour, classroom management and skills, whatever the personality.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

@Joannacre <\/strong>had an interesting question, \u2018So what happens when an introvert T is paired up with an introvert lnr?\u2019 which was answered by @theteacherjames\u2019<\/strong> They\u2019ll get on well! The T will be able to find an appropriate way for\u00a0the S to learn.\u2019 which was seconded by @ Perikleis <\/strong>who commented \u2018Le<\/strong>ss TTT in that sense!\u2019 and \u2018Maybe they relate more to their personality and teaching style!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A further comment from @SueAnnan <\/strong>was \u2018My youngster is quite introverted, but she has been teaching in China with no trouble – 60 to a class.\u2019 and @MarjorieRosenbe<\/strong> agreed, \u2018<\/strong>I think introverted teachers can draw certain sts out better than some extroverted teachers.\u2019 @theteacherjames added, \u2018Of course a good teacher can always adapt to whatever type of sts they have.\u2019 @Nathanghall <\/strong>commented, \u2018<\/strong>As an extrovert, I find I have to work the most on encouraging silence in the classroom. My extrovert Ss struggle with this as well.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What do students expect?<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

@elawassell <\/strong>then posed an interesting question, \u2018<\/strong>Do students EXPECT us to be extroverted? What are their expectations really?\u2019 and @SueAnnan <\/strong>replied, \u2018<\/strong>Do sts think about their teachers at all? I think they often just want to improve.\u2019 to which @theteacherjames <\/strong>replied, \u2018<\/strong>I agree Sue. I think sts don\u2019t expect anything other than general professionalism.\u2019 and @josipa74 <\/strong>replied, \u2018<\/strong>I don’t agree – do remember your fave teachers from school because of professionalism?\u2019 and @ theteacherjames\u00a0<\/strong>mused, \u2018Although I wonder if your favourite teacher is the one you learned most from! \ud83d\ude09 @josipa74 <\/strong>pointed out, \u2018<\/strong>ok, I didn’t know what professionalism was when I was at school – but I see your point. Being real is very important\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

@HanaTicha added, \u2018<\/strong>Yes, we sometimes make introverted ss talk because we love talk but they actually don’t.\u2019 and @Theteacherjames <\/strong>commented, \u2018Agreed, especially if the T is more preoccupied with the \u2018show\u2019 than the learning.\u2019 and added \u2018A good teacher recognises their nature & the nature of the sts & figures out the best way.\u2019 @josipa74 <\/strong>saw this from another point of view, \u2018<\/strong>Some students do expect to be entertained! Part of the whole dynamic though – teacher\/ authority at front of class.\u2019 and @SueAnnan <\/strong>replied \u2018<\/strong>Do you need the T as authority at the front?\u2019@theteacherjames <\/strong>went on to say, \u2018<\/strong>The problem comes when there are sts who don\u2019t expect to be entertained – what happens to them?\u2019 but @Innov8rEduc8r <\/strong>looked at this differently and said, \u2018I think being entertaining, having quirks, & \u00a0being able to be real in class is important.\u2019 which was answered by\u00a0 @theteacherjames who said, \u2018It’s seeking balance, isn’t it? Entertainment doesn’t nec have to be extroverted though.\u2019 and continued by saying, \u2018As I said, the good teacher can balance these things, and give everyone something they want some of the time.\u2019 @Innov8rEduc8r <\/strong>commented, \u2018I find myself dialing it up or down depending on the class dynamic….sometimes tho it does go awry.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

And what about Rapport? <\/strong><\/h1>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

@MarjorieRosenbe<\/strong> introduced another aspect of the conversation, \u2018<\/strong>Actually being able to establish rapport is more important than being introverted or extroverted.\u2019 and @theteacherjames <\/strong>said, \u2018And that\u2019s a skill that has to be developed and worked on.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

@hartle<\/strong> added, \u2018T<\/strong>eaching skills also mean stepping out of yourself to be able to listen to learners and mediate class. Not necessarily Tcentred.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

@MicaelaCarey<\/strong> was interested in finding out how introverted teachers dealt with their classes, \u2018<\/strong>Anyone on the introvert side of the spectrum?\u00a0 How do you ‘recharge’ after ‘draining’ classes?\u2019 and @Innov8rEduc8r<\/strong> said, \u2018<\/strong>re-charge by quiet, alone time after being all-out in class (Hi from Greg in Melb Australia, sorry late arrival).\u2019 and @MicaelaCarey <\/strong>agreed, \u2018<\/strong>Me too- I disconnect on my way home in the car.\u00a0 Sometimes with radio but sometimes I enjoy the silence.\u2019@MarjorieRosenbe <\/strong>added that not only introverts need to recharge but said, \u2018Also for extroverts. I chat with a couple of colleagues and then read my emails.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

@hartle <\/strong>began down a new road by saying, \u2018I <\/strong>don’t know if I’m extrovert or introvert. Suspect a mix, and it depends on the day.\u2019 to which @ Innov8rEduc8r <\/strong>replied, \u2018<\/strong>I find that I shift on the introversion or extroversion scale depending on context, who I’m with etc. See the same with students.\u2019 @theteacherjames <\/strong>replied, \u2018<\/strong>I\u2019d definitely say I\u2019m introverted, but in this respect I find my lessons energising. As was said, it\u2019s a spectrum.\u2019 and @perikleis <\/strong>agreed, \u2018Being able to adapt according to your students is a very useful asset!\u2019 @MarjorieRosenbe<\/strong> added, \u2018<\/strong>I think some relate well to teacher’s style. I have sts who keep coming to my classes each semester.\u2019\u00a0@nathanghall <\/strong>then brought up an interesting point, \u2018As an extrovert, I also need to learn from teachers who are introverts. We tend to gravitate towards those who are similar to us.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

@josipa74 <\/strong>began to question what really brings students back to class, \u2018Not because of personality? charisma?\u2019 to which @theteacherjames <\/strong>replied, \u2018<\/strong>But charisma doesn\u2019t belong only to the extroverts!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

@Innov8rEduc8r <\/strong>brought up a good point, \u2018<\/strong>How do students feel when they’re with us. That’s pretty important.\u2019 and @Innov8rEduc8r<\/strong> added, \u2018<\/strong>Most Definitely – Charisma manifests in different ways. It’s not just the province of the extroverted.\u2019 and @josipa74 <\/strong>said, \u2018<\/strong>Very true! Question: How can we be more charismatic in class?\u2019 @theteacherjames reassured us, \u2018<\/strong>Charisma is something you can learn, I even did a lesson on it! http:\/\/t.co\/OAeUYQXmC9<\/a>.\u2019 @Innov8rEduc8r<\/strong> elaborated, \u2018<\/strong>Connecting more with our authentic teaching selves – without hiding \/ cover up \/ toning down. I think that fuels Charisma.\u2019 to which @Innov8rEduc8r <\/strong>added, \u2018<\/strong>Charisma = Passion, Authenticity, Connectedness, Fearless. Others?\u2019 and @HanaTicha<\/strong> replied, \u2018<\/strong>I see charisma as relative to your self-esteem.\u2019 @Innov8rEduc8r <\/strong>agreed. \u2018Yes. Self-Esteem is critical to Charisma. Having confidence in ourselves as teachers.\u2019 and ChristineMulla<\/strong> commented, \u2018<\/strong>For me, be honest and real – natural charisma. Give a little self.\u2019 @hartle<\/strong>\u2019s take on this was, \u2018Charisma is connected with confidence in what you are saying, passion and the capacity to relate to others.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0Final Thoughts<\/h1>\n

@SueAnnan <\/strong>began to sum up, \u2018<\/strong>So, in reality- it is not a question of introversion that causes difficulties. Other factors are more problematic.\u2019 and @joannacre <\/strong>asked, \u2018S<\/strong>o what’s more challenging? Being an introvert teacher or an introvert student? I think student.\u2019 which @theteacherjames<\/strong> answered with, \u2018<\/strong>I have a theory: most T\u2019s are extroverted, so they find it hard to imagine how introverts cope.\u2019 @elawassell <\/strong>commented, \u2018It depends in what sort of classroom. Introverts are usually great learners!\u2019 <\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

@EdLaur <\/strong>posed the question, \u2018Does this depend on what type of student they are? Teen, uni, adult.\u2019 @nathanghall<\/strong> went on to say, <\/strong>\u2018My concern is that we are focusing too much on the teacher. This is a group and we need to work as such.\u2019 @ChristineMulla <\/strong>asked, \u2018Do you think it’s more difficult for an introvert to be more extroverted in classroom, or vice versa?\u2019 and @ theteacherjames <\/strong>said, \u2018<\/strong>If I have 1 message for extrovert T\u2019s, it\u2019s to remember that not all your sts are like you. Give them time & space to think & work.\u2019 and added \u2018But I\u2019m sure all the extroverted teachers here on #eltchat already do that.\u2019 @hartle <\/strong>made an interesting observation, \u2018Perhaps we’re missing the point that different personality types bring different strengths to the group.\u2019 and @joannacre <\/strong>agreed, \u2018<\/strong>I think personality is key, it affects rapport, atmosphere even material choice and actual learning.\u2019 @Innov8rEduc8r <\/strong>went on to say, \u2018Dial up the crazy and weird and wonderful – in all classrooms.\u2019 and @hartle, said, \u2018Well, personally, I think craziness is a gr8t quality.\u2019 to which @EdLaur <\/strong>added, \u2018I’m all for a bit of crazy! I want a laugh in my language class especially if I’m paying!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

@PETsNet <\/strong>summed up the feeling of the participants by saying, \u2018<\/strong>Thanks a lot for such a challenging and inspiring chat. Glad to see you all. Have a rewarding week! Bravo #eltchat !\u2019 and @perikleis <\/strong>agreed, \u2018It was a great #eltchat , really interesting topic! Rather controversial.\u2019 @HanaTicha <\/strong>rounded off the discussion with: \u2018<\/strong>Good night all extroverts and introverts :-)\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"eltchatwordle\"<\/a>

#ELTchat participants – made with wordle.net<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

About the Author<\/h3>\n

\"Margie\"<\/a>Marjorie Rosenberg<\/strong> teaches English at the University of Graz, works with corporate clients and trains teachers around Europe. She has written several books on business English for Cambridge University Press and writes regularly for their website, Professional English Online. Last year her methodology book \u2018Spotlight on Learning Styles\u2019 was published by Delta Publishing. Marjorie is also the coordinator of the Business English Special Interest Group (BESIG) of IATEFL and is on the IATEFL Membership Committee.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

An interesting topic for the first late-night chat of 2014 which got lots of people madly typing away at their keyboards or keypads. \u00a0 Photo Credit:\u00a0Hartwig HKD\u00a0via\u00a0Compfight @Theteacherjames started off by adding to the above question with \u2018How can introverted teachers satisfy their students\u2019 expectations?\u2019 which was answered by @hartle who asked \u2018Do you have…
Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6235","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-summary"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eltchat.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6235","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eltchat.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eltchat.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eltchat.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eltchat.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6235"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/eltchat.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6235\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eltchat.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6235"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eltchat.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6235"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eltchat.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6235"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

As it seems to occur in a number of chats, we all start off and then realize that we might actually need to consider a definition of the topics. @josipa74 <\/strong>brought us back to this point by saying: \u2018Maybe we should clarify – what’s an introvert? As well as the question from @joannacre <\/strong>who asked, \u2018<\/strong>So what does an introvert teacher mean then? This was answered by @theteacherjames: \u2018<\/strong>Basically, an introvert is a person who is energized by being alone and whose energy is drained by being around other people.\u2019 which a number of people agreed with. @theteacherjames <\/strong>added: \u2018<\/strong>That definition is taken from here: http:\/\/t.co\/U6hZUzwVVp<\/a>\u2019 @ josipa74 <\/strong>then asked \u2018How does that square with teaching, when you’re often surrounded by people? And @HanaTicha <\/strong>answered by saying \u2018I’d say that people who are introverts don’t generally tend to become teachers, because that means being a lot around people.<\/p>\n