I like to tease them, by saying as they leave class (when everyone can hear): "Jim, I hate to have to say this, but you're really going to have to stop dominating the class. You really need to give someone else a chance to say something." Because this is a student who never says anything, everyone laughs, and somehow the next class period, this student seems a little more able to speak up. If one of these silent students does speak up, I always try to emphasize how their comment contributes to the discussion. This gives them more confidence the next time. Also, when students seet that I never put anyone down, the ones who are usually hesitant to share find themselves contributing to the discussion.
Something that I incorporated in my class is the, "Las Vegas" method. What happens in Vegas(Class), stays in Vegas(Class). This gives my class the title of an open forum. I believe it reduces anxiety and let's each person have the floor. I also like to give small group assignments/projects to involve the silent students.
Provide an atmosphere of mutual respect wherein the students feel free to express themselves.
I talk the students and make them feel more comfotable in the class setting. I have also found that calling on all my students at random helps to keep their attention and not to be so shy since eventually everyone gets called on.
I try to let the "shy" type settle in for a few days. I try engaging them in conversation one on one, either before class or at break time. When I ask questions of the class, I call on them as well as everyone else. When they do well, I praise them and usually, by the end of the first week, they are participating at their comfort level.
Hi Chuck,
I too have had very good luck with this tactic. Some of our silent students are really gifted academically, and they can lead if there is a need.
Patricia
Hi Yasir,
What do you define as being too quiet? I remember having a very quiet student, but she spoke whenever she needed to.
Patricia
I think the biggest challenge is to identify the reason behind a student being silent and when do you tell that a quiet student is too quiet.
Hi Patricia,
I am in full agreement with the module's idea
of small groups. I have found this method to work very well. If you carefully choose the subject matter that the group will be working on, not only can you draw these student's from their shell, but at times become the spokesperson for that group. Yes, it can be difficult to find the group motivator, but if you watch class reactions to discussion of the syllabus or general conversations, you may just find that key that you are looking for.
Hi Shoukat,
You are who you are. It is this student's personality. She is just very shy in nature, but super intelligent! Continue to make small talk with the silent students.
Patricia
I ask a practical question for which there is no one correct answer and encourage a class discussion. If a silent student doesnt participate, I will ask them what is their thoughts. It keeps things light and encourages students to speak up
I work as a clinical instructor in PCT program at a hospital and I had a silent student who was a perfect student in every aspect of her clinical work. However, it was difficult for me to find out if she was bored with the clinicals or just this was her personality. I once asked her if we could meet after our Post-Conference hour and she agreed. I spoke with her on 1:1 basis and she told me that she was "very shy and was not sure if people would listen to me." I encouraged her to undrestand that all other students are in the "same boat" and they were in the Post-Conference classes to share their daily experience with the class and also learn from others' experiences as well. This technique helped my silent student to some extent, but periodically I noticed that she would go back to her "shell" again.
Although people have the right to remain silent, our particular profession demands a degree of gregariousness and verbosity.
Getting the students to work in small groups is often very effective. When preparing for a practical assessment, I get them working in 3s; one is the model, one is the examinee and one is the examiner and they change roles.
Hi Jennie,
Super idea! It is good to hear that one educator made you feel important because you were. What type of instructor are you having been shy as a student?
Patricia
Hi Jonathan,
Small talk is good with silent students. Small talk can really lead to wonderful conversations, thus getting to know the students a little better.
Patricia
Hi Gregory,
Praising students is an excellent way to build confidence. Encouragement for all students is good. We must be our students biggest cheerleader.
Patricia
One way of involving silent students is to find out their likes and give them an assignment that may some what relate to their interest.
Small groups or panels seem to work well. After a little time people become more relaxed and engaged.
I can make sure they have quality assignments to work on, that they can be proud of the results and be willing to share. I can also make sure to praise students when they give a thought on a specific topic, whether 'right' or 'wrong'.
Speak with them gently. Ask them to reply to a simple question, a question they will probably get correct. Encourage a small group discussion for learning.
