Hi Patricia and class,
This is certainly not a problem with online learning-in fact, the silent student is no longer silent. It is more of a challenge in a traditional classroom and there are a few methods that I use. Each class does have a team setting - a team project is due. Each team member is given a specific part of the paper to research and present. I allow the each student to present in her/his preferred manner (in front of the class, at her/his desk or behind a podium)..giving the student an option does help the shy student. I also encourage questions to be asked and the shy person is more apt to ask a question than respond to one. From the question asked, others respond and as the conversation continues, the silent student will add information -- since this was her original question.
Hi Ana,
I can see this as causing a student to be silent. I have seen students with language barriers open up more when there are small groups and more one-on-one projects are involved.
Patricia
As they said small groups gives them more confidence. If you can put in pairs of two it is so much better. I was lucky and able to do that switching partners ad they got really relaxed and became very open with the class.
I found by praising them and making them know their answers are important has helped.
I like to have more one on one time with them to get a sense of how they communicate with others. As well I like to make sure to have them work with a partner or a small group to get them involved in Discussions. I also like to observe and learn their strengths, so I can find ways to get them involved that don't force them more into their shells. In online Discussion I make sure to ask questions that will get them and the class involved, as this is a time they do not have to speak and can get their thoughts out.
Many of the silent students that I have encountered as students with english as a second language. they are often silent because they are embarrased of their english skills. Small groups and presentations are very helpful for these types of students and over time they become less insecure and practice their verbal skills more often.
The silent student is often recluse because of various reasons (shy, uncertain, feeling inadequate, afraid to look ignorant). When engaging silent students the instructor should acknowledge their input from a positive position. Encouragement can go a long ways. While their answer may be incorrect one can suggest a correct answer from an appreciative response.
In my grading I have student participation for 10% of the grade and I grade this daily. It is a mix of there daily production grade and participation during lectures and discussion. If a student does not have answers that are obvious during lecture or from a reading assinment then I will question them after class first I will ask them if the completed the homework or I will ask if they are having an issue hearing or paying attention in class. Often the student offers up more information then you asked for and that is when I get a more clear picture of what the student is dealing with personnaly. It is a good time to build trust and correct bad habits. At this time we can offer tutoring or peer help.
I have found that the majority of the silents students are ones that do well academically but not so well in the social learning. I assign small group projects and from there interact with the students attempting to draw them out. I also spend time with these students on an indidvidual basis developing a rapport with them; this way I can ensure that they are achieving their learning outcomes as it realtes to their social skills.
Hi Casey,
What type of alternatives would you offer to a silent student to encourage participation? I've learned that a small group setting generally works well for silent students; they really tend to open up in a smaller setting.
Patricia
I think that offering alternatives to students especially silent students will give them an opportunity to participate in a way that they are more comfortable with instead of more traditional ways that they may have decided are not a part of their comfort zone.
Hi Maribeth,
I like the idea. According to instructors that have tried it, it is very effective.
Patricia
Hi Casey,
How do you feel this helps the silent student?
Patricia
Hi Leslie,
What a smart tactic to help determine if a student is overwhelmed or not challenged. Overwhelmness does play a large role in shyness.
Patricia
Hi Mary,
This is a great way to get shy students comfortable with other students. Students will communicate via the computer openly, and hopefully this tactic will help the shy student open up more on a face-to-face basis with other students.
Patricia
I really like the idea of written responses and reflections after each lesson.
I have a class forum on the portal where students answer some very basic questions about work experience, people they admire or favorite books that relate to the class. The students need to post at least once and reply to another students post. Often the dialogue goes way beyond the requirements especially when the shy or quiet students are encouraged and become comfortable with the format.
usually gathering them into a small group( if more than one) and clarifying the assignment. Very quickly I can pick up whether they are just overwhelmed by the expected work or are not challenging. 98% of the time it is being overwhelmed. The remaining 2% I ask for their portfolio of work and critique their work. In my eleven years, those students are always shown how much they need to improve themselves. Most often in technique.
I try to take small steps at a time. Have them answer a multiple choice or true/false question to get their confidence up. I find usually they are silent because either they dont feel they have the right answer or their not grasping the material. If either of those are true and they get the right answer it will lead them toward answering additional question although it can also hurt progress if they arent correct. I try to let people know that any question they may have is probably on the minds of at least another couple of students so they may be helping one or more of their classmates by asking it.
I, myself am a shy person, and enjoy being given the opportunity to display my knowledge or skills. Having a silent student display knowledge with one-on one discussion or demonstration has proven successful in establishing trust and confidence in students.
