A Quiet Education: Challenging the extrovert ideal in our schools

Book excerpt: 'A Quiet Education' serves as an unashamed cheerleader for all that is quiet, challenging the myth that collaboration and noise should be at the heart of what happens in schools. It examines how we can ensure more introverted students and teachers can thrive and achieve their potential. It also explores why it is essential that all teachers begin to embrace quieter values: in their classrooms and management of behaviour; in sustaining their own wellbeing; in their desire to reflect meaningfully and improve as a teacher. The final section is an exploration of quieter skills: how we can strengthen our students' metacognitive ability; their ability to listen, pay attention and focus; the quality of independent work we do in the classroom alongside how we can motivate all our students.