A Silent Student
Don't ignore a silent student. Find a way to engage them in them in a discussion by talking about something they are familiar with and comfortable contributing.
Hi Julie,
I agree! Students need to know that we genuinely care about them!
Patricia Scales
It may take a little more effort on our part to try to get to know them but it really makes a lasting impact on them because they see that we care.
I was always very shy throughout school, and remembered being terrified to have to give an oral presentation. In fact, I dropped out of my first college communications class because I was too scared to talk in front of the class! I understand where these students are coming from, and try to draw them out in different ways, either through one on one conversation, or even opening up through a series of email chats that lead to verbal discussion. I think part of it is letting them know that their input is valued, and establishing both a rapport and safe environment for them to express their ideas.
Hi Elecia,
Awesome! What a great way to bring out the best in a shy student. Most shy students have it, we just have to pull it out of them.
Patricia Scales
I once had a class where mandatory participation included speaking on a subject matter. As it was an intensive writing class, we read many books and had many discussions, so there were ample opportunities for discussion. There were only a few (1 or 2) students that were extremely quiet. I tried to use one on one time with them to discuss their papers and the readings. After these sessions, I realized that they were absolutely understanding the material. They had great ideas from which the class could benefit. In class, I would bring up ideas that easily led to the ones that they had mentioned to me in our one-on-one discussions. They felt more comfortable speaking to them in front of the class because of the tie to what I had discussed. Once they got their feet wet, they participated in more class discussions without prompting.
I also agree with the idea of finding something that is familiar with the student or something that they like or have interest in. Allow them explain why they enjoy something even if it is off topic, but only for just a short period of time. This let's the student feel comfortable speaking in class. But be sure to always steer the conversation back into relevancy and you will be fine.
I agree that the silent ones can be the most intellegent. I also had a student that had severe anxiety to speak in front of others. I had to handle her very carefully as to not send her in to "panic attack" mode. I had a very outgoing class that year and she found it unbearable and actually requested to be moved to another class. I was really sad that she left "me" and thought I was a failure of an instructor. The other instructor and I discussed her issue with our leadership and determined I was not doing anything to fuel her issues, but the class as a whole just overwhelmed her. So we allowed her to move to a smaller class where she thrived and eventually finished the program with honors. Sometimes it takes a village!! Christina
I agree that engaging silent students in discussion about something they're familiar with and comfortable contributing is helpful. I have found that during hands on activities or 'lab' is a good opportunity to spend time with the silent student. They are more comfortable opening up in that kind of setting and are more likely to chat. With the educator, fellow students, or both.
I have also found that the quiet student is quite smart. They just don't have to toot their horn about everything. I find out each of the students favorite candy the first day of class and then keep it in a safe place and toss a piece when someone answers a question. I have found that this also helps them to begin to talk and answer questions in class.
Hi Lori,
Great observation, and kudos to you of passing this on to her other instructors. We want our students to succeed.
Patricia Scales
I have found with some students that the shyness they have is extreme. I felt I walked a slippery slope with one of mine to draw her out with class discussion/participation. It seemed that it drew her further back into her shell when I placed her into smaller groups. I observed her for a few days to see if she hung out with anyone on her break in the class & from there I placed her with a comfort zone in groups. I am now at a place with her that she will participate with any group given. She will be leaving me soon & I am making sure that her next instructor is aware of her shyness & ways to get her to participate with new students she may not have been in classes with yet.
I agree Marvis. Maybe it would be great to start by dividing the class into a small group and then having that small group present to the larger class.
