GETTING STUDENTS TO ENGAGE DURING CLASS DISCUSSIONS
I BELEIVE THAT ADULT STUDENTS TEND TO ON A WHOLE,WITHDRAWL IF THEY FEEL PUT ON THE SPOT OR THREATEND
I agree. When I was a student, I know I found it difficult and off-putting to be called on to contribute to discussions if I didn't feel ready to do so. In order to prevent this in my own classroom, I
1) Estalish clear guidelines for classroom behavior
2) Only call on students if the topic is something they are already familiar with and that is unique to them
3) Give them time to brainstorm and jot down responses before I ask them to respond.
Getting students to react differently is the key. If they are feeling put on the spot or threatened then the manner in which the class discussion is being presented may need to be adjusted. THe class room environment is meant to be a comfortable, "safe space", in which learning is encouraged... this should be encouraged and aware to the student so that they are in turn more apt to engage in the learning experience.
