Hi Lori,
Shy students do tend to open up a lot more whenever they are in a smaller setting. I like to give shy students a leadership role as well when being in the small group to force participation.
Patricia
Talk to them individually before/after class. Pair up or make small groups. Had one student nothing worked for. Just quiet.
I try to create group assignments daily. My students know that when it's time to break into a small group I always say, "Go make a friend." They laugh and have actually really made friends with those in their groups.
I definitely believe the best way to get silent students to become more involved is to create small group projects and discussions. For many shy, silent students, a large classroom can be very intimidating. Having the security of just a few other students to interact with allows them to open up slowly while gaining confidence and comfort in their knowledge and abilities. I liked the idea of a small group sitting together behind a table when presenting thier project.
Lori
In my oral communication class, I have found that calling on a number of different students to discuss the lecture, one of those students being the silent student, helps him/her to open up. The silent student is usually one of the students in the middle of my selected students. This way they have time to listen to other students'answers and to prepare their own answers. I've noticed that some of these silent students are starting to open up and becoming more involved. They also respond well to small group projects, which in turn makes them more comfortable answering questions in class.
I like the idea of addressing them directly as some are not so much shy as uncertain and when addressed directly they have ideas to share.
Hi Mark,
I can tell you care about your students. You went above and beyond with this student to make personal contact to discover the reason for their shyness. Students need to know that we geniunely care about them.
Patricia
It's helpful to involve these students by assigning them teams to work in. This encourages more individual responsibility and accountability. Shy students will be more willing to participate with a small group, rather than in front of the whole class, which might be more intimidating. I also talk to students individual to try to uncover the reason for their shyness. In doing so, I discovered in my last class that one student had speech problems, and was embarassed to talk in front of the class. I never would have considered this if I hadn't taken the time to speak to the student one on one.
Mark
Hi Charlotte,
Students tend to open up more and be themselves in a smaller setting.
Patricia
I tend to lean toward small team projects that allow the students to share in small groups first. It seems easier for them to share with the whole class once they have shared with their team
I try to break up the class for review challenges. It changes the atmosphere. I move the students around to break up their normal pattern and encourage a 'group' answer. Asking 'what comes next' keeps the discussion going, which helps the silent students get a chance to add once our talkers are done.
When I use verbal answering and quizzing sessions I make sure I use everyone in the room - so no one is singled out. Whan it's the turn of a 'silent student' I will ask them a little easier question to give them confidence and praise a correct response. If they struggle with the question I guide them to the correct answer to allow them to feel they came up with the answer with only a little help - then I praise them again.
I've also found that by allowing others in the class to help them (whisper the right answer) they can feel more connected to their peers and less shy in speaking in front of them.
I have had this method back fire. Very shy students can feel badgered when I try to guide them to the answer and when I see them approaching their breaking point - getting too upset - I'll redirect quickly.
Silernt students need to be included and feel part of the class so it is best to include them in small groups in which they will feel more free to participate and be heard improve their self esteem.
In my class I try to use a variety of teaching methods so everyone can learn in their own ways. One thing I like to do is have learning groups which can help silent students get involved. I was always a shy/silent student myself so I understand it can be hard for some to talk in front of a large class. Working in smallers groups can sometimes give the students the opportunity to voice their oppinions.
I also employ this approach. I'll also mention my quiet student to coworkers and student workers. Just by having a few people say 'hi' every day helps condition the student and open them up to responding.
I ask them their opinion on the subject matter. After they answer, I try to expand a bit on it and get more of their feedback.
I involve the silent students in the class by pairing them up with another student who has shown leadership qualities. I plan partner or small group activities. I strategically place the quiet student with one of my leaders. I ask the leader aside from the others to help me with this task. This is a win-win situation. The leader is a winner because they have been singled out as a leader and responsible person. The quiet student is a winner because they feel special with having the leader student reach out to them. I have used this tactic several times in the past with resounding success.
I have a class rule that every student has to answer questions in class so even the silent ones have to speak up when their turn rolls around. It works and not one feels like they are getting singled out.
Hi Amy,
I agree! Whenever shy students are a big fish in a small pond, they feel more of a sense of importance, and there contribution really matters.
Patricia
Silent students are usually shy or insecure. It is best to put these students in small groups or a one to one. This way students are required to participate and become more sure of themselves and gain confidence. They become relied upon for their contribution to the group.
