Involving silent students in class
How can you help silent students to become more involved in the class?
I have had several silent students do special projects that involved a skill that they excelled in. After the project was completed, I would show it off on the display wall to get attention from other students. This would typically make those students come and give the quiet student praise and congratulate him on his great project. Soon the smile comes out and the once quiet student now becomes the teacher.
Involving silent students in class can be managed by altering the method of instruction; breaking into small groups, panel discussions, shared experiences, etc.
As an automotive instructor, I find that a lot of students that do not feel sure of themselves often do not participate in class discussions. I identify these students and make a point to engage with them in topic discussions.
develop a report with the student by talking with him about his goal and what he expects from the class.
Put the student at ease when you have them join a small group where they can use the talents for the group project. Get them to speak to the group about their ideas and how to present them to the whole class, with each person taking on a small portion of the vebal presentation.
This has helped many of my students to over come there shyness once they relized that most studnets have a challenge when speaking in front of a large group.
I help silent students by interacting 1:1 after class if needed. I will also have the student become the patient in lab to help them become more at ease with their peers.
I employ the same strategy. The students know they may be called upon at any time to lead a discussion on a topic from the reading assignment. I try to engage all of the students but especially the quiet ones.
If I have a student that is not responding in class, I will go around the room calling on everyone in class to either read or take a turn at the board. I sometimes number the class off into small groups and have them work on a case study to present to the class.
Hi FRANCES,
It is either one of two things when students are quiet. It is good you determine what is going on with the student so that you better know how to deal with the student.
Patricia Scales
First I try to find out why a student is silent. Is it shyness or is the student unprepared? If the reason is shyness I try to pair that student up with a more outgoing student or put them is a work group. If the student is unprepared I just give a reminder to the student to try to keep up with assignments so that they can participate in class discussion.
I first will talk to them after class. Let them know that I'm concerned if they are learning the material. After that conversation I tend to get them involved by making them answer questions or by coming up to the board and work a problem.
If no one else can answer a question ask the silent student, are when asking question call on that student, are put them in small groups so they can engage with the other students
My firat attempt is usually to ask him or her a question during my lecture and observe if they are uncomfortable responding. If I sense that they are, I will speak with them individually during break or after class. Most times they state that they are fine with the class and just prefer to remain quiet. Occasionally they have previously taken the class and therefore don't have any questions.
Hi Edward,
I like giving my silent students leadership roles to help bring them out of their shell.
Patricia Scales
Hi Daliann,
Silent students really do come out of their shell more when they are in a smaller setting.
Patricia Scales
I can help silent students become more involved by asking them to share an experience that relates to the topic of discussion. Breaking them up into small groups for discussions can encourage them to speak. I can also build rapport with them to make sure they are learning and they know that I am concerned about them.
In the past, I've tried to speak (semi) privately to silent students and with some success. The idea of involving them with a group is good. I don't do it often in classes, but I could certainly develop small ad hoc groups for daily in-class assignments.
Add brief oral presentations from each member, and that would be a low threat way to involve such students.
Thanks for the idea.
Ed
I once had a very small class of about 12 students. It was the quietest group of students I have ever had. It was so difficult to find out if they were learning anything at all because I could not get any feedback from them. I would speak with them on breaks and before class but they were very distant. I finally broke through on a class volunteer event that we attended. It was really amazing to see them just blossom before my eyes. That one day really allowed me to see so much more about my students. A lot of them I think were just insecure.
Hi Michael,
Love it! Quiet students can take on leadership roles as well.
Patricia Scales
