Interpersonal learners are some of the easiest students to enjoy in class. Typically, they are engaged and ready to discuss a wide range of topics.
They generally have many friends (or will quickly make them) and are a preferred partner for any group projects.
Interpersonal learners make it challenging to stay mad long. They are keenly aware people's triggers and reactions, and they want to "keep the peace". Interpersonal learners want to make other's happy and are self-described "people pleasers".
They are natural leaders, confident contributors, and regular attenders.
In this series, we are exploring the dynamics of each learning style to understand the needs of our students better.
Below, you will find a detailed explanation of interpersonal learners, including how to best support them at home and in the classroom.
Who is an Interpersonal Learner
You are bound to find an interpersonal learner in leadership positions. Whether the student body president, captain of the football team, or drum major in the band, an interpersonal learner looks for situations where they can communicate with their partners and teammates.
Interpersonal learners love to be coached and will seek opportunities to work in a teacher/student or mentor/mentee professional relationship.
Interpersonal learners have a keen sense of people and aren't afraid to interact with anybody.
They will be able to discern somebody's true motives and are drawn to people who are confident with their selves.
Interpersonal learners are fantastic communicators and highly effective at getting to the cause of a problem. They are good friends and great partners.
Common Struggles for the Interpersonal Learner
One of the most common struggles for an interpersonal learner is getting them comfortable when they have to work on their own. Whether it is independent work or an assessment, interpersonal learners crave conversation.
They will situate themselves in the class to help them socialize (whether or not their discussions are on-topic).
Interpersonal learners can find themselves in the middle of conflict easily. They may find that they are willing to insert themselves to be helpful.
Occasionally you may find that your interpersonal learner defaults to arguing about minute details. This is due to their thought process and nature of thinking they understand people better than they do. This may invite more conflict into their lives than they'd like.
Applying Learning Style at School
In school, interpersonal learners should find opportunities to lead and work with their peers. This could be heading up a cause that is important to them or forming a study group outside of school.
Interpersonal learners prefer working in groups as opposed to individually and enjoy open conversations. This is why a Socratic circle or fishbowl is ideal for an interpersonal learner.
There are many fantastic options to engage an interpersonal learner. Whether you are giving them pair or group work, asking them to teach the content, or asking them to reflect on other's feelings (this would work best for explorations in Social Studies and English courses).
Interpersonal learners will also see a lot of value in being able to interview others to learn.
For instance, if your interpersonal learner is interested in becoming a doctor, reading and watching videos will do nothing to prepare them like introducing them to a doctor who they can shadow.
Applying Learning Style at Home
There are many ways that you can support an interpersonal learner at home.
If your child is able, sign them up for study groups in your neighborhood or invite a classmate over to work on a big project together.
If neither is possible, consider sitting in as your child's partner to help them bounce ideas and complete the task.
Look for opportunities where interpersonal learners can volunteer and work with others.
Whether feeding the homeless or working with other youth cleaning a park, interpersonal learners will feel the value of a day of volunteering.
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Engaging Activities for Interpersonal Learners
Interpersonal learners enjoy working with others. This can be through a scavenger hunt, group project, or even working on an independent project around other people.
They enjoy debate and negotiating.
Younger interpersonal learners enjoy imaginative play. Consider playing doctor or using dolls to act out scenarios.
Because interpersonal learners are keenly aware of emotional needs, check in with them during a conflict to ask them how they are feeling.
As your interpersonal learner grows, you may find that they enjoy tutoring younger children.
They also will benefit tremendously from internships and work-study opportunities.
[subscribe=15868]ArgoPrep Support for the Interpersonal Learner
ArgoPrep has created countless resources with each learning style in mind. Striving to provide every student with relevant and engaging material, ArgoPrep proudly offers one-on-one tutoring.
Simply add the option to your next purchase by accessing the online portal. For the same price as a private tutor, ArgoPrep will walk your child through any issues they are having in realtime.
By being able to talk with a tutor and address specific concerns in a collaborative setting, your interpersonal learner will see improvement immediately!
In Conclusion
Interpersonal learners can thrive in any type of classroom.
Unlike a logical learner or a musical learner (that enjoy specific content areas), interpersonal learners will succeed as long as they can collaborate with a teacher or their peers.
When seeking the best way to support an interpersonal learner, think about ways to engage their empathy and give them opportunities to interact with others.
Whether through an interactive speech or working with a partner, an interpersonal learner will thank you for the chance to bounce ideas off another person and their learnings will be richer as a result.
If your child is an interpersonal learner and you are looking for ways to support them at home.
Consider finding a study group or after school activity that will get your child with other children their age. Your child will enjoy any opportunity that they can become the teacher, so as they are going through their day, ask them to pause and explain what they are doing.
This process of teaching and recall will solidify new information and be easier to understand as they grow and develop.
