I use a smaller group method for all of the students. by breaking them up, they talk amongst themselves the details of the topic. The silent students appear to come alive in these instances, shedding light on the subject.
Hi Jim,
Smallness is what quiet students need so that they can possibly come out of their shell.
Patricia
Well, I liked the ideas presented in the course about putting silent students in small discussion groups. Owing to the nature of the courses I teach, small discussion groups aren't something I usually use but will think of incorporating this. To include the silent student (and all students), I usually spend the first 10 minutes doing a review, jumping all over the room asking questions until all students had a chance to answer a question. I tell the class on the first day that we have daily review and that we make it a fun thing where everyone gets to participate in a painless way. Otherwise, it's always the same few students that answer the questions.
I like putting them in small groups. I find the process really works.
I usually start by having students present on a chosen topic and limit their presentation to < 3-5 minutes depending on the size of the group. I choose on the silent one midway to allow them to get used to how others are presenting. I believe this gives the silent student time to formulate his/her ideas.
Hi Leonard,
We have to be our students biggest cheerleader, especially the quiet students. Praise really helps!
Patricia
by motivating them to participate in class group
activities as much as they can,to begin with. next give them guidelines to follow to do activities in he class.encourage their orginality and manner of their expression with appreciation. make them understand not to compare themselves with others performance and be the best they can be.
Hi Brandy,
This is a great way to get everyone involved, and I am sure it is fun as well. I make special effort to make small talk with the silent student to try to establish a relationship.
Patricia
What I often do, is as the the beginning of a course, I have all the students put their name on an index card, then I collect the cards and keep them during the course. Throughout the lectures, I then draw cards out of hat, and that student is to answer.
Lucille - I admire your patience and the ultimate success. I've had some real challenges like Chris too. It is easy to become quite fond of them actually. One thing that I always try with them is to tell them in a private moment, "you know, when you answered that last question (or brought up that example) it was been very valuable to the class." or, "I'm really glad you asked that question tonight. I think a lot of people in the class wanted that answer too." When you bring that person out of the shell, it;s one of the greatest rewards of teaching!
engaging students as they enter the room was mentioned in this section as a way to buuld rapport with students. Being proactive in this way with students who have demonstrated silence or shyness is a good start. I have sometimes used this to steer them towards a seat closer to the front of the room.
Hi Stephen,
Rapport building is a must with silent students. Small talk works great when trying to build a relationship with silent students.
Patricia
Tactfully respond positively at any sign of outreache by the silent student. Positive reinforcement.
Hi David,
This first-day information can really be beneficial in more ways than one. Having a relationship with students encourages the students to open up more.
Patricia
Many times in class I ask students to read various passages. Then of course we discuss what was read and I ask questions. This gets everyone involved and participating either in the reading or the answering of questions.
I had a student so painfully shy that he could not look you in the eye and talk. I knew this would keep him from getting jobs that he would be qualified for so I made it my mission to greet him every day witha smile and "Good morning Chris. How are you today?" Usually he would look down and mumble. I only called on him when I knew he had the correct answer so he always succeeded. After two years he would finally look up and say "I am fine today, Mrs Sisk. How are you?" I was thrilled and felt it was a breakthrough.
I like to open the first day by having each student discuss their background and interest in the field. This loosens up the atmosphere from day one, and also gives me background information on each student which I can use to "tie in" later to a discussion or activity which might be related to that students interests or backgriound.
It is often a good idea to do Pair-Share with a silent student and pair them with another student. You can also assign a group activity.
I Start by getting them to interact with situations that seem to put them less on the spot. I also let them get to know me as the instructor so that them become comfortable with their responses.
Hi Michael,
Most people love fame! This is a good way to try to reel silent students in.
Patricia
