Extrovert Vs Introvert.

According to something I just read, it appears the brains of introverts and extroverts are rather different.  The big difference between the two is how they use the environment.  An extrovert is someone who gets energized by outside sources such as people, activities, or things while an introvert is energized by internal things such as ideas, emotions, or impressions.  Extrinsic vs intrinsic.  Extroverts need outside stimulation while introverts need inside stimulation.

Research discovered that the two groups process information differently while using different parts of the brain and different neurotransmitters.  Apparently, extroverts access information in the short term memory to develop thoughts while introverts locate the information in their long term memory used to build more complex thoughts. 

In addition, the brain releases dopamine also known as the "reward chemical" which extroverts experience more of due to their being stimulated by external items.  In brain scans, extroverts showed more activity in the areas associated with pleasure and more dopamine is released although both introverts and extroverts have the same amount of it.  Since introverts release less dopamine, they find the livelier situations more exhausting.

So as they think, they act differently.  The extrovert is more likely to participate in a lively discussion going on while the introvert appears to be uninterested and unwilling to participate when in fact they tend to be processing the information and do not think about volunteering.  Introverts prefer to work independently or in small groups while the extrovert can work in larger groups.  Introverts also have a reputation for being able to explain things better.


Consequently, extroverts find the social situations more rewarding and more often seek positive social rewards.  Since classrooms are filled with social rewards such as grades, parties, etc, extroverts find this perfect because it energizes them.  On the other side of the coin, giving a participation grade can hurt introverts because they do not "perform" well in front of the class and they often do not get full participation points.

It is possible the student who sits in the back and appears to be unmotivated is actually an introvert.  Remember an introvert is much more comfortable being allowed to observe but hates to be pressured into participating.  However, you can use a rotating system where you call on all students to respond but make sure to give them time to formulate an answer. Another thing is to give students the information so they can prepare questions, thoughts, etc for the next class. 

This is a short breakdown of the differences between extroverts and introverts.  I hope this helps you think of new ways to reach students who are often forgotten or penalized for being an introvert.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.