Silent students are indeed a challenge for any instructor. How to get them involved in class participation encompasses a series of strategies some of which were outlined in this course.
From my experience, i try to get these students involved by pointing them out to answer general class questions. I also move towards their seat, call them by name to get their attention. If i notice that they don't respond to those attempts or methods. I set up a talk or discussion with them after class to try and break the ice or find out what their situation is or let them know i care about their learning and participation.
Dr. Mmuo
Hi Pascha,
I too have witnessed the same thing with silent students. Silent students can be some of your best students. As the instructor, you just have to work on bringing the best out of them.
Patricia
I have foiund this to be useful as well If I learn that a student is silent because they are catching on more slowly then I make sure I check in with them in some way during the lecture to see if they have the information. If they are shy then I can check in with them on breaks. If they are bored I will toss them more challanging questions.
After only a short time, you will have an idea who is silent and who likes to interact. Obviously, pairing two silent people is not a wise strategy, just as pairing two "Chatty Cathys" is not a good idea. Pairing a silent student with someone who is very outgoing can work, as long as the outgoing person does not totally dominate. If they can be convinced that their goal is to draw the silent student out, it then becomes a challenge for them and can be very effective.
I involve silent students by incorporating many small group discussions and/or activities to engage them. I have noticed that once silent students have been given a role they far exceed expectations and really tend to "break out of their shell."
I can help silent students become more involved in class by breaking the class up into small groups.
Hi Hector,
It is even tougher for a silent student when they are put on the spot or caught off guard. Silent students are more apt to participate when they can gather their thoughts before hand. I like how you make it fair by calling on students in order based on seating. I too use this technique from time to time so that students can get ready.
Patricia
I am also very outgoing and always enlist my students to participate with me in activities that stimulate both the body and the brain. I never relate to only one or two students, but recognize the group as a whole and individually.
Brenda S. Jimenez
I believe the best method approach is to assign class groups in order to bring out the best in each student and to utilize their diversity and problomatic thinking skills in order to not only learn, but learn from each other.
I find that when students need to work together, they then find a common goal and achieve that goal 95% of the time as a team.
Brenda S. Jimenez
I liked this information because I have a silent student in my class and wasnt sure how to involve her more. Now I have a few ideas/options to try out and see how she responds.
We are very fortunate to have implemented the use of "clickers" in our classrooms. This tool is excellent to involve students that do not like to speak outloud in class. It gives everyone a chance to participate anonomously.
As a silent student myself I found this approach really worked with me. Having my instructors approach me outside of the classroom and get to know me really made me feel comfortable so that in the classroom I could participate. Sometimes knowing that you have one person that is listening and interested in what you are saying is enuogh to get you going.
Group work is usually the best way. Then the students are not intimidated by the entire class, and can present their understanding of the material collectively, rather than being in the spotlight.
How can you help silent students to become more involved in the class?
What I try to do for silent students is spark some conversation in the class where it my take group interaction to come up with a solution. I usually try to not call on them straight out, but again some times I do. I do make it fair though. When I seek class participation I go in order of sitting. That way they know when they may be called on and can start to formulate a response related to what ever we are talking about. It's been successful in the classes I've taught.
I can relate to this. I was always a silent student in college even though I graduated with honors. My reason was I had a very strong accent even though English is my native language. People would always ask me to repeat something because I pronounced a word differently and they could not understand (not their fault).
So as an instructor I would be sure the silent student had a chance to speak in small groups and slowly work his/her way up to a large group.
This is always a challege for me. Amazing most of them come into class early so it makes it easy to talk with them individually. I have tried the small groups and also putting quieter students in a group. I feel the last two ideas are not real effective.
Better results occur when I find out something they are excited about studying in the class and I ask them to help me out by presenting a very short project.
It usually just takes time and I think we need to recognize that some people are never going to participate at a high level.
Hi Dinae,
I concur! As instructors, we must do all we can to help encourage and motivate silent students to open up and be a vital part of the class. Remember, we are our students biggest cheerleaders.
Patricia
Hi Rebecca,
Getting silent students involved is a good way to get the student to open up. I like to ask these students questions that are more opinionated so that they are more apt to participate because there is no right or wrong answer.
Patricia
You can help silent students become more involved in the class by group discussiions. If you talk to the silent student before or after class you can reiterate the importance of interacting with others as this will be useful in the career setting. The student can work in a non-threatening group environment and still be able to contribute something to the class. The instructor must also be aware that a silent student may be a shy student so their behavior may not change overnight and will need the continued motivation from the instructor.
Thanks.....I happen to be a "silent" student myself....and that worked for me in some of my classes.
