One thing that I do every beginning of a new term is have the new student write an introduction letter to me. I ask them about their personal life, married, children hobbies, etc. then I ask them if they have any challenges I need to know about. Most of the time is is child care of something of that nature but I have found that I have a couple of people who have been abused by others and so they are reluctant to take a chance and find themselves in a vulnerable position. I like to talk with them personally and let them know that I am here to help or I refer them to Aspire if they need that kind of help. It lets them know that they are not alone and that they can trust me. After they have been in the course for a term I then change the letter to a goal letter. I ask them to write down a goal for the current term, and if they had challenges last term and what are they going to do about it or if there is something I can do to help. It puts the responsibly on them and allows me to see what has been happening with them throughout the course.
Hi Nevine,
When you involve everyone, this is always a good way to pull the silent students in as well.
Patricia Scales
I find an area of interest to them that might be more personal or social that they can buy into and that gives them an opportunity to participate a little at a time.
fist by making open questions and try to let everybody to participate and if not ask for the opinion of each one in certain situations and to share with their collegues to find things and do some joint projects
Small groups and activities can certainly help with confidence to get involved in class.
I will usually allow students to work in groups. This allows the silent student to work quietly with others first, and gradually become more comfortable with their groups. This allows them to come out of their shell, and eventually present with their groups, and perhaps with others, too.
It is a good idea to put the silent student into a small group. The group discussion will open te student up when team member ask his/her opinion.
doing simple exercises while questioning the entire class, making sure to direct the conversation in a way that everybody participates without singleing people out. everybody should feel comfortable during this exercises.
Hi Dale,
I love the nonacademic questions to generate an ease of communication. This is a great way to make the atmosphere lighter, especially on the first day.
Patricia Scales
Hi Tamikah,
Silent students tend to do better in a small setting. They open up more when there are not many people.
Patricia Scales
In the first class, I have students introduce themselves. I include questions like - What is your favorite TV show, or your favorite ice cream flavor? This always seems to generate energy and engagement even from the more reticent students, and helps in a small way to gain their participation.
incorporate more opportunities for students to share small group discussions, work in teams of at least two, have mini presentations, ect.
When dealing with silent students its important to have them feel comfortable enough to get involved in class. Small groups created for discussing topics, or a pair share after a lecture will help. You also have to understand why they are silent, is it because they are shy or maybe because they do not understand the material.
During the first week of class, I have the student work with the each other in groups.
I have then introduced each other tell the class something "unique" about each other. It helps break the ice and get the class comfortable each with me and an instructor and the students/
Hi David,
I like your approach that you take toward the silent student. Rapport building goes a long way with silent students. If they are comfortable with you, they will open up more.
Patricia Scales
Get to know them. Why are they really silent? Are they just not comprehending or are they just shy? Ease them into it, help them get started with some simple questions if needed.
I agree with involving the quiet students more. I have been fortunate enough that most of my "quiet" ones have been quite intelligent and motivated and work very well as helpers or leaders with the subject matter they are good at.
As a former "quiet student" I have to agree this definitely helps. For me, it was always easier to converse with a teacher when I felt I was among peers that had the same interests as me. Small groups helped with that.
Prior to starting a small group activity I have students count off from 1-4 throughout the classroom, than they are directed to get into their perspective groups. This has been very effective at reducing stress for most silent students,they are out of their comfort zones, and they are networking. While walking around to each group and checking-in I have noticed students that are usually very quiet in the larger setting definitely seem more comfortable in the smaller groups.
I like this idea and am wanting to implement it next quarter. A&P brings out the quiet ones real quick and having them lead some groups may help alot.
