silent students
I seem to always get one a or 2 a year. They keep quite, and I come to them and ask them questions about the assignments, and they usually tell me that they are behind or doing the work at home and don't have it with them. I tell them to email it to me that day when they get home but I never get an email. talk to them again in class about the assignments and they think up another excuse. It's hard to get through to them. I talk to my supervisor about the situation, and they have a talk with the student too.
A couple of reasons students may be silent in the classroom setting: 1)I think silent students have learned through life it is easier to learn when you listen vs. talking. 2)A teacher or parent has made them felt lacking in knowledge and they stay quiet in fear of being wrong. 3) Some silent students are just being respectful to the teacher and allowing the instructor to teach the class without interruption.
Most of the time the students are just shy and are great students who make great grades but feel more comfortable in a smaller group setting to talk.
Hi Amy,
I have witnessed that a lot of silent students know what is going on, and they will open up to you when they are with you one-on-one or in a very small classroom setting.
Patricia Scales
Sometimes I find the silent student is listening and doing well but they may be intimidated by louder more outgoing students. I have had several who never said a word in class. I took some time to 'draw them out' in my office only to find out they had many interests and hobbies and were paying attention. They were pleased to have some private instructor time.
