
Engaging students requires an understanding of the unique learning styles of each individual learner. According to Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory1, there are eight types of intelligences that provide insight into learner preferences. Shyness often isn’t considered as a potential source of inspiration or process for learning. According to Gardner’s theory, students who prefer learning that supports the opportunity for reflective and individual work, may be utilizing intrapersonal intelligence.
Educators are able to support intrapersonal learners who may exhibit shyness by providing students with curriculum that embraces learning with opportunities for self-refection, self-paced discovery and individualized lessons. Utilizing a fully developed curriculum that provides students the opportunity to choose their own learning path based on their interests, empowers intrapersonal learners. By taking courses in drones, graphics, web design or data analytics, students can participate in experiences that allow them to build STEM projects and write their own code. Such experiences allow intrapersonal learners to engage in a reflective learning process.
Teachers can utilize a fully developed curriculum, such as Rex Academy, to provide shy and intrapersonal learners with the opportunity to grow as a learner and as an individual. Since the curriculum assists teachers with lesson planning and grading, teachers are able to support intrapersonal learners by engaging in reflective activities. Reviewing a completed project with a student participating in online coding classes or a project completed in a STEM project for elementary grades, is one opportunity for educators to connect with individual students and to help students identify how the project supports long term learning goals and demonstrates personal achievement.
Intrapersonal learners enjoy learning that allows for self-refection as a learner and as an individual. By utilizing a curriculum, such as that provided by Rex Academy, teachers are able to create learning atmospheres that leverage the strengths of shy and intrapersonal learners. Through providing intrapersonal learners with personalized learning and projects that connect to a student’s individual goals, the unique strengths of the learner can be engaged to create an impactful learning experience.