Group activities, panels, reading text or the question out loud helps keep them involved.
I believe having a great rapport with the students is the key. Greeting them at the door in the morning with a high five, using their names regularly. I also will praise them in class which aids in building their confidence.
Donna, I too can relate to being shy and quiet in class. It is really helpful and was helpful for me when my instructor took out the time to have a one on one with me. There she made me feel safe, without the worry of what others may think or feel about what my responses or interactions in the classroom would be.
I would talk to them after class to be sure they are shy and there isn't any other issues. We also have class discussions where I would have everyone voice their opinions.
Is it a good idea to involve silent students by having them read out loud in class.
Some students are silent because of fear. They are afraid to have the wrong answer when called upon. Perhaps they process things a little slower and are unsure of the information. Another reason students are silent is the actual act of speaking in front of the class.
Some things I do to help bring those students out is if they do have the wrong answer do not respond negatively. I will say something like, "That is close but let's think about it from another angle" or "Great job - can anyone else think of another possible answer that would fit better?". This prevents the student from feeling inadequate.
I also ensure that I am calling upon all students equally so no one feels picked on or in the spotlight all the time.
Hi Barrie,
I have found that the talkative students talk less when there are less people involved. The silent student will talk more when less people are involved. Remember the talker wants a large audience.
Patricia Scales
Hi Jeff,
I concur! You really can depend on the silent student to do what they should as a student.
Patricia Scales
I've always used group settings. They always seem to work. They shy one talks and the student that won't stop talking, stops talking. Its a Win-Win.
Seating helps a lot in making the atmosphere of the class less formal, having us all face each other in a circle or square. I try to engage shy/silent students one-on-one when possible and give positive reinforcement and let them know I'm interested in what they are doing and thinking. Silent students are often the most committed and serious students and praising them in class when they've accomplished something goes a long way in building their confidence. I speak as a former shy student.
It has been my experience that the silent student usually does well on tests, it seems that they pay attention in their silence during class. So if they are knowledgeable, I ask them a difficult question that other students are unsure of. In having the informed response the silent student will be encouraged to become more involved in discussions over time.
I like the idea of assigning them to small groups but I would also assign them a mentor. Someone they could connect with; perhaps pick up tools to make them feel more confident.
Getting to know that student (e.g. personal interview, etc) reviewing their background and
especially developing rapport, often helps to see
why they are silent. If this can be determined often it helps in selecting the method for getting that plugged in.
Hi Gregory,
You have a lot to offer shy students having been one of them. You can really help bring out a shy student.
Patricia Scales
I love the intimate setting of a group. The students have to talk to each other, but are not usually too intimidated to talk in a smaller setting. It is also a way to put the quiet ones at ease and to promote getting to know each other.
While in school, I was that shy kid as well. To become more involved in class, I enjoyed having smaller groups created. I was more able to open up with a small group. Eventually, I learned about my all my classmates as we were never allowed to work in the same groups. This was greatly beneficial and I believe it is a great way to help silent students become involved. Comfort with all classmates tends to help shy people to open up. There is also meeting with those students after class to ask if they have any questions or concerns. It brings you to a more personal level with them and may help them open up as well.
I am a silent student during my schooling. The instructor needs to connect with the student to understand the nature of the silence. From there one can develop a plan to encourage the students to share with the class.
Break the class up into groups for a group discussion. Make it a point to address the student when they enter the classroom. The more they realize you care the more they might open up.
Hi Wayne,
I like how you ease into getting quiet students involved. You start off easy and then move onto something a little more complex.
Patricia Scales
I start out by asking a few simple, yes or no,questions. I then attempt to further engage them by asking these students to give opinions.
I try to ask at least one thought provoking question of these students each class.
