Students who do not dare to participate in class: how to help them?

Do you have students you hardly ever hear from? Can’t get them to participate in class? Here are some tools to help you.

Last update : January 27, 2023

In all classes, there are students who like to participate. They play an active role in school days, they do not hesitate to present their point of view and they ask all the questions necessary to clarify their doubts. So they raise their hands all the time and don’t want to miss a debate or a share.

However, when it comes to other students, the teachers hardly know their voice. There are children who, for different reasons, choose not to participate. And this question harms the learning process, because it is much more complex for teachers to be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of these students. For this reason, encouraging children to participate in class is something every teacher should prioritize.

Why do some students choose not to participate in class?

Class participation is a relevant aspect that promotes learning, in addition to contributing to a pleasant climate and confidence in the classroom. However, for many children, this is a tall order. Here are some factors that could explain the lack of initiative in some students:

• Timidity : There are students who would like to participate in class, but their shyness and withdrawal do not allow them. In fact, quite often the children know the answers to the questions posed by the teachers, but instead of sharing them with the rest of the group, they answer them themselves.

• Lackof interest : there are also students who do not participate in class because they are not interested in the subject or directly in school. In these cases, children tend to get bored and they don’t care whether or not they play an active role during the lesson.

• Not finding interest in participating : To other times, children do not actively engage in the classroom because they think it is not necessary or that it will not bring them anything of value. Thus, they prefer not to share their ideas with others as they only focus on the notes.

• Self-requirement : perfectionism and self-demand often lead children to become inhibited in class. The fear of being wrong is such that they choose to be silent.

• Fear : when students perceive the classroom context as uncomfortable, threatening or unpleasant, they do not feel the desire to participate. In such a scenario, they will be afraid to express their point of view and be judged, ridiculed or punished.

Recommendations for encouraging students to participate in class

Teachers can do a lot to encourage their students to participate in class and thus consolidate their knowledge. To begin with, it is essential to create a positive and pleasant environment, where all students can feel confident. To foster this context, it is also essential to make each of the children understand that what they have to say is important and that their questions take place in the classroom.

Do not impose

Forcing students to participate makes no sense and ends up generating the opposite effect to that expected. In this sense, instead of requiring participation, small, subtle actions should be taken so that children who do not usually speak are gradually encouraged to make their voices heard. An interesting technique consists in gradually approaching them with complicit and smiling looks or affectionate, but not intrusive greetings.

Make playful proposals

Offering fun games and activities is very useful. The aim is that the shyest or least communicative students gain confidence and can gain ground in the classroom in a relaxed, carefree and even enjoyable way. Setting up games where there are no right or wrong answers can be more convenient at first, as students won’t feel pressured to do things right.

Do not tolerate teasing between comrades

No student should feel uncomfortable participating in class. For this reason, all mockeryjoke or offensive comment between classmates should make the teacher pay attention.

Children sometimes ridicule each other and laugh at each other’s attitudes, opinions or responses. This should never be allowed in class. The adult in charge of the class must be firm when prohibiting this type of demonstration, while promoting teamwork and camaraderie.

Propose alternatives

Let us remember that all persons are individual beings; therefore, we do not all need the same thing. Flexibility is one of the qualities that every good teacher should have under his belt. Children who find it difficult to participate in class can be offered different alternatives so that they can contribute without exposing themselves too much.

For example, the day before, we can give them the question that we will ask them the next day or ask them if they prefer to give their answer orally or write it on the board. The objective is that the student does not experience participation as a moment of anxiety and nervousness, quite the contrary. Thus, little by little, you will strengthen his self-esteem and encourage him to open up.

For students to want to participate in class, the error must be naturalized

Error is a necessary condition for learning. It’s not something bad, or something that should be avoided: it’s more of a tool. At school, the children make mistakes every day, which helps them develop their skills.

In this sense, we believe that teachers should be the first to see error as a learning opportunity. If students feel that making mistakes is worthwhile and does not involve any type of penalty, punishment or mockery, their participation will be much more active and fruitful.

This might interest you…

Get 90% off MondlyFun play-based learning. Moxie Supports Social-Emotional Growth through fun play-based missions.

How to fast improve your well being?Powerful Zen word Chinese Calligraphy Wall Art & Chinese painting Matte Canvas, Physical art, Canvas prints. Discover Art B Zen Store