I try to incorporate small writing assignments into daily class lecture
I approached a silent student during break and asked her if she would mind if I called on her during class. it was the perfect icebreaker! after that she was involved. I think she just needed to know someone cared about her and valued her input.
Interacting with small groups help so it is not so overwhelming with a large amount of a group,I feel this is the best method.
Team activities can certainly help. I have also found that if I give the student a research based task and ask for feedback helps the student to build confidence.
I, myself, was mostly a silent student. For most classes, I preferred to learn on my own.
I think that the necessity of involving silent students in class depends somewhat on the class itself. After grading the first exam of my students, I observed that several of my silent students are doing quite well. However, I do realize that for the remaining silent students, I might need to alter my methods to help them succeed.
Start by introducing small team groups to work on an assignment and rotate these students with other teams. It gives them the chance to see they are revelant to the classroom
I am a former quiet student. Actually, I still am in some cases! When I want to ask a question in class, my heart starts to race and I feel a little queasy. It's all about drawing attention to yourself, and that is something a quiet person never wants to do. So having one-on-one interaction with your instructor is a great way to ease that student into a comfort level that will allow them to feel that the classroom is a safe environment.
Hi Eric,
Students tend to open up a lot more in a smaller setting.
Patricia Scales
Yes i agree , smaller groups help out alot and engaging all the students to be involed during the lecture
I think small group projects or assignments help silent students become more involved
Like most here I feel that small group work helps, but I also feel that the direct approach works well when you build up to it. Get a good discussion going and then ask the student about his thoughts on the subject. The question must be designed to involve the student in the discussion.
When you know something about the student, the student can be engaged by the teacher drawing on one of his or her strong suits. A student may have a job that has provided a particular experience it would be helpful for the class to know about. Even the quietest student can shine when you ask the right questions.
I help silent students become more involved in the class by partnering them up with students who are more outgoing. Also, I like to engage in conversation with them and find out their interests and likes in order to create a common ground. It usually helps them to feel more comfortable.
Well said, Richard! I, too, have found that the process starts best before/after class and during class breaks... need to gain their confidence first.
I also try to quickly learn a few things about each student to be able to talk to them about. Making the silent student feel a part of the class is of major inportance. at the end of every week I have the students go into groups and do reviews for the upcoming tests. This gives the silent student a smaller forum to talk.
Hi Katina,
A group is smaller than a class, and shy students do much better in a smaller setting.
Patricia Scales
What has worked for me is assigning a group projects. Group projects are great for silent students because it does take some of the pressure off of the student who perhaps is shy. This tool is something I will utilize a little more often throughout the course.
Breaking students into smaller groups can help silent students become more involved in class. Also, requiring students to do a presentation will allow for silent students to contribute to the class discussion or presentation.
I agree that by engaging the silet student in a one on one situation, the student feels less intimidated. I will work that student into small groups while assisting with their lab task.
I have found that dividing the class into small groups helpful because they must participate with their ideas within the group and everyone must have a turn presenting the material in order to have a complete grade which means everyone is responsible for the group as a whole. W Clay
