Dustin Christian

I have students like this all the time. I find that they excel when I put tools in their hands. I refer to them as hands on learners where not all of the students we encounter are book/paper learners. By the end of the three week rotation, I can tell that they picked up alot from me and my class. I just don't push them to talk too much in the lecture section, but I make it a point to chat with them one on one and make sure that they are comfortable about the class and with me and that they can ask any question any time they need to.

Christopher Jacobs

Julie,

It would appear as though the lab is more in her "comfort zone." Whether it is the setting, one-on-one engagement with a lab partner, or simply the hands-on environment -- this student most likely feels less vulnerable in the lab.

If you feel it is necessary or desired to get her more involved in class, perhaps one of the best ways is to start with a discussion reinforcing what was learned in the lab. Call on her specifically (maybe not first) and mention that you heard her making some good comments IN the lab and if she would be kind enough to share them with the class. Perhaps that might move her a bit more into her comfort zone -- even while removed from the lab itself.

Regards,
Christopher

Ellen Lascola CHEP

I have found that many students are much more participatory in lab. I think it is because it is a much more interactive environment in which many students are 'doing ' something and they may not feel as shy as they do in class when they are asked to respond to a question and the whole class is silently looking at them.
I believe it is still important to engage quiet students in the classroom , and this can often be accomplished with work that is completed in small groups, or group presentations so that all the focus is not on that one student.

Patricia Scales

Hi Julie,
Try your best, but we can not change people. She is mastering the concepts!!
Patricia