I have a number of students in my class every year that are very shy and quiet. I do not call on them directly because I feel this could make them nervous loose my trust and cause them to further withdraw from the discussion in class.
I often ask the entire class to write down any questions they have before they leave and I go over them the next day with my review. In this way the quiet or shy students are being heard even if it is in written form.
I would never put anyone in a spot to make them feel any less smart then their classmates.
I was one of those shy students and a lot of times was called on and did not know the answer.
I remember how that feels to this day and could not even come close to doing that to a student in my class!!
I throw out a question to the whole class,and when someone answers it, I ask the more reluctant students what they thought about the answer. I ask them to agree, disagree,add something to it, or ask for more clarification. This allows them to contribute to the discussion even though they might not know the right answer.
I usually have everyone prepare three discussion questions based on our topic. I find that giving this as part of the home-work allows students to really think about what they don't understand and what they are curious about.
I involve all my students in games, activities, breaking classroom into teams and allow points added to overall grade. It allows the students to see a purpose for the activity and encourages everyone in the class to want to participate because they are working together towards a common goal.
Hi James - Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, when we facilitate good questioning sessions, our students do get involved and the discussion can be excellent! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I like other instructors will ask questions for feedback which will tell me if the students understand the material being lectured. Also, this will allow open discussion/dialog with the class, the best time I have in my classes is when all the students start chiming in and then they start asking one another questions.
Hi Warren - Yes, "conversations" are much less intimidating than questioning and can give us great feedback from our students. Best wishes - Susan
I randomly ask students questions about the topic. This makes everyone participate and prevents anyone from drifting mentally.
It can be challenging to get complete class participation. Students must feel safe responding to questions. I try to get the student talking about something that they are interested in or pertains to their life, and this helps immensely.A question can be intimidating but a conversation with a student can be less confrontational.
Hi Tracey- Thanks for your post to the forum. Since your students know that they will be required to go to the board in every class, that is a great reason for them to be prepared. Good technique! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
At the beginning of the class, I use several methods to get everyone involved. One in particular method is during our review of what happened last class, each student comes to the board and writes something he remembers without repeating anything another student has written.
Then each student has to explain what he has written. If another student has a question or doesn't understand it, then the student who wrote the information on the board explains it. If the students are still unclear, then I re-explain the concept.
Have the discussion in a round table/chair format. This way everyone is equal and the instructor keeps a limit on the time each person takes and gives everyone time to respond.
Hi Randolph,
That is a great idea and for the most part it works but what if you have a student that refuses to participate? I haven't tried this style by asking direct questions to specific students but I think its worth a try. Thanks
I really like to get a good class discussion going. Find a topic that ALL students are interested in and that is valid for what they are learning.
I have fill in the chart on a blackboard. The chart was previously studied so the it is familiar. Also there are multiple answers that are possible in different areas of the chart. This allows a challenge to the students wherever they stand.
Hi Sue - Thanks for your post to the forum. As you mention, that "group dynamic can be very encouraging to the more shy student. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
When I have students in my class who are non-responsive I will use power point questions and start by letting the class answer together. Then I will call on each individually or I will separate the class into teams and ask them to confer on an answer but a different individual must answer within the team for each question. This seems to "ease" the students who are uncomfortable in speaking out in class to do so without direct pressure.
Some techniques I have used are asking a broad question, have a few students respond, and then ask the non-responsive student to expand on the answers that were given. It gives my class full participation without them even knowing it.
Hi Karmle- Thanks for your post to the forum. You are obviously a very caring instructor as you work to make your students comfortable in your classroom. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I request students to answer each others questions. If a student is shy I offer to assist that student in formulating a question for others to answer and/or I offer to assist the shy student with formulating an answer. This approach has had positive outcomes and feedback.
