Seen but Not Heard: The Introverts' Hidden Voice and Talkative Mind

Abstract

he aim of the present work is to investigate whether the Algerian educational system and secondary EFL curricula meet the introverts‟ needs or not. Furthermore, the study aims to find out the high school teachers‟ perception about the introverted students. Another aim is to discover the usefulness of Think-Pair-Share strategy in helping the introverts to speak and interact. Hence, to achieve the mentioned objectives, a descriptive study is conducted, by collecting data from a questionnaire which is addressed to EFL teachers. In addition to the use of classroom observation and the use of think pair share strategy to see the introverts‟ interaction and participation after presenting the activity for them. Therefore, the results reveal that our educational system does not support introverts. This study is important to the education community because negative assumptions about introversion are in the school system, leading teachers to believe these students are lacking in some way; they think that they are poor learners, antisocial and shy. In turn, students can internalize these opinions; causing crippling disadvantages for them. The study addressed both teachers and stakeholders; it provides the teachers with some helpful strategies to make the introverts speak; moreover, the study is raising awareness on these talented learners and seeks to find their hidden voice and explore their power. We try also to provide the stakeholders with more activities, lessons and projects in order to meet the introverts‟ needs and balance between their needs and extroverts‟ needs.