Silent students
To get a student to open up I think smaller groups work. The other students break the ice with the silent one and this allows them to speak up and ask questions on an material they didn't understand. This also helps them make some friends in the classroom so they dont feel alone.
I agree, David. I had a very quiet student a while back. He never spoke up nor asked a question. Sometimes I double checked if he was ok and understood everything, his respond was always yes, I am ok. His problem was,that he had a strong accent and was intimidated to talk in front of a crowd. Turns out that this student had mostly A's in class and was helping other students with their work. I never forced him to speak in front of the class, because I realized that he is very smart.
I have a similar situation in regards to quiet students. But since I only have small classes (most times only 2 students) I can't split them into groups. In this situation, I've found that just interaction in general helps tremendously. I get them to share things about themselves and their interests outside of class, but only things they feel comfortable in sharing. The more interaction the better. They may still be a little shy and quiet, but now they aren't afraid to ask questions and tell me their thoughts and feelings in regards to the class and that is what I want ultimately. It also helps them contribute more to the class because they know I am interested in what they have to say.
Again, look at the reason for the silent behavior. In a multicultural environment like South Florida, many students have a fear of being laughed at due to pronunciation or lack of vocabulary.
They may be bursting with good ideas but terrified to articulate.
As instructors, we should be aware of the "language bullies" and always reinforce in the classroom that knowledge and ideas have no geographic boundaries.
Allow more time for these students to articulate, reinforce all attempts at speaking, and communicate to the class that we all can learn from each other.
La langue peut etre difficile, non????
I have one or two students in a couple of my classes who are extremely quiet and don't really interact with other students unless "forced" to do so during a group project, etc.
I've found that trying to get them into a group with some of the more vocal students helps them to come "out of their shell" a bit, so to speak.
Hi Jenny,
Silent students do extremely well in a smaller setting. They shut down when there is a crowd. I concur it is a great bonding period for silent students.
Patricia Scales
