We have all at some time or other of our teaching careers met this minority of students who won’t or can’t actively participate in class discussions. Their refusal or fear of participating is a burden for everyone concerned – first, the teacher, and all the students who can’t benefit from what other students have to offer. This problem may have many causes and it is up to the teacher, the classmates and others concerned to try and reduce or eliminate such reticence for the benefit of all involved.

The point of going to school is to form part of a classroom where everyone needs to participate through discussing and listening to others. Those who refuse to or are unable to respond to direct questions mean that they might not be able or willing to demonstrate their understanding; they might not be able and willing to challenge others’ ideas.

But students may be silent because they do not understand the topic or the learning process itself; so they are overwhelmed or bored; they do not have the basic learning skills or they cannot express themselves in the language used for teaching.

Some students tend to remain silent out of shame; fear of being ridiculed if the answer is wrong. And still some will never share their views or knowledge if they are in a highly competitive atmosphere where there is gratification of some sort. But these are the very few. Our main concern is with those who have communication problems and should be given a helping hand if they are to succeed in our global, virtual world.

Teachers can help their students to communicate when they

• Provide communication channels - discussion, brainstorming, group work, etc.

• Create "win-win" situations where each student is encouraged to participate.

• Give unwilling students time to respond by not allowing others to jump into the gap.

• Encourage classmate celebration of contributions anda climate of cooperation rather than rivalry.

Teachers must be role models for good communication in the classroom. Parents and guardians are also responsible for encouraging communication though silence can sometimes be used by youngsters to resist the influence... and control of parents and teachers.

However, since today’s students are the future workers, leaders and parents of society and school is the place where most young people go for the purpose of learning, teachers should by all means encourage their students to give up their fears and share the sense of belonging to a community of learning.

MCL </B>