Amy West

Eric,

I can see your point here. You did not elaborate much, so I hope you don't mind my doing so. Sometimes the silent student has so much on their plate that they don't know where to begin. They need someone to confide in possibly, and if you build a rapport with that student and get to know their issues as a person, they may feel some of that pressure gone. With the bit of relief you've given them, as well as with the rapport you have built, these students may begin to speak up more in class.

I have also found some silent students to be very naturally shy and avoid public speaking, so I highly recommend the strategy that this module speaks about, which is breaking into small groups. I do this often, and give each group a specific topic, often with enough subcategories for each student in the group to have at least one thing to speak about. I usually allow the groups to decide how to present their topic and the components in the manner in which they choose, because as adult learners, I want them to feel in control of their group's presentation. I do, however, usually tell the students that as I present the assignment that each student from each group MUST speak and that no topic or subtopic can be summarized in less than a decent paragraph. This way they are able to be rewarded with a daily grade. And as the module mentions, they are more likely to engage in small groups because of the lessened pressure or attention on them, especially when the classroom is a bit abuzz as all groups are at work on preparing at the same time. I then will take turns with the way I conduct the group presentations by asking some students some more specific questions that I feel they will be able to answer fairly easily in order to boost confidence. Another method I incorporate to boost confidence is ask if any other students have questions for that specific silent student, which I feel validates that what they said is important and they do have a good knowledge base on the subject. Sometimes on the opposite end of the spectrum, I will sum up what the "center of attention" student is saying to also show the class that I value everyone's input, but that some of the talk can be excessive.

Thanks for sharing!
Amy