I have found that some students who are silent are doing so because of a learning or hearing impairment. I will talk with these students to see if they need to be infront of the class,if I need to speak louder or if they need extra time with me after class.
Considering that I was once a silent student myself, I found that when teachers took an interest in me, I felt more at ease and willing to contribute. Knowing that, I try to make it a point to make conversation with silent students at break times and before and after class. This will often encourage them to contribute, and it definitely encourages them to take a greater interest in the class.
To help silent students participate in class I do some small group activities. This helps to bring them out of their shell and participate the discussion. I also do hands on activities on the overhead where I ask each of my students to perform the exercise and explain to the class each step in the process. I have had great success with both these approaches.
Hi Donna,
You may want to try calling on this student. You may be surprised at what you get.
Patricia Scales
I have a student in class now that is doing very well but doesn't want to discuss anything in class and just sits there but doesn't participate. We had a down day and we just started talking as agroup not necessarily about the course but just a lets just get to know you day and it did get her started and she actually discussed her silence and now she does speak a little bit more but I don't call on her I just let her add her inpute when she feels confident to.
Speaking with students by name and having them interact or elaborate on other students comments may be a way to help silent students become more involved in the class.
I bring in small group discussion on topics that are relevant to there degree. This allows students to exchange ideas.
I also try to acknowledge the student immediately when they have a question and reiterate what they asked back to the class, "Jason had a great question, he asked..."
I like to involve them in the class discussions. I teach human relations and I have them get into groups as well as calling on them individually.
The first thing I try to do is watch them over a class period to see if they engage in conversation with other students if they do then I know they are not completely introverted to the point they will not converse with others. I will then try to bring them out of their comfort zone a little at a time by engaging them into discussions to get their point of view. I also will put them into a group to get them used to more interaction with their peers. I DO NOT try to put the spotlight on them though, because this will make them withdraw back into themselves. Introverts don't like to be focus of attention they will participate but not if they have to be in spotlight setting. I try to give them that comfort zone while getting them to engage and express their points of view to the class more and more as the course progresses.
I try to apeak to these students before class to build a rapport so the student is more comfortable with me; stimulating participation.
I also put the students into groups which enhances the silent student to participate.
Making a student feel comfortable and part of the class will help encourage involvement. Telling the class that there is not "stupid" question may help the silent student feel like their questions are not inadequate. It is important to create a positive and secure environment for the students.
I will typically use small groups and also watch to attempt to determine if it is a lack of confidense, not understanding the material or whatever. If I suspect lack of confidence, I might have a class assignment and note how he does. If he has done well, I specifically ask for his imput for the problem solution. Of course I ask others before and after him so that he does not feel picked on. A good work comment to each never hurts either. This has worked for several students and helped to build their confidence. They were able to show their capability to the class.
In my classes, I usually give points for class participation, and if I notice from the first week that some of the students aren't participating enough during class, I start by giving group assignments in which the silent students will end up being the guest speaker for their chosen team.
I really attempt to not make a group larger than three people. It is easier to assign roles within the group, which is totally necessary. If time allows I have students rotate roles within the group so that all have an opportunity to carry out the roles. Roles may be recorder, reporter, observer, etc..
Hi Mark,
Pulling silent students in is a work in progess. You do a very good job try to get your silent students involved.
Patricia Scales
I have tried talking to the silent student before class and after class and on break to make them feel more comfortable. I will also try to include them in discussions and ask questions even if they don't answer.
i think because adults are generally problem solving, conversational - putting him into a small group activity will get him thinking and give you a method of assessment
Hi Angela,
I like how you evenly distribute your students so that effective learning can take place.
Patricia Scales
By group activity and have them be a group leader every week
I agree, small group activities can help. I am also involving students in a group activities in which they prepare project presentation as a group and also they do present as a group, each of them has to talk/present. It works quite well.
