In large group or small group recitations American Indian students are reluctant to speak out. Humor is often used to teach in Indian communities. At home children learn through trial and error and are encouraged to learn by experimentation and exploration. Or, they may offer a response that could be considered inappropriate. American Indian adults, at times, teach by demonstrating to children how a skill or knowledge can be directly applied to immediate needs or concerns.
Many children are excellent observers and can read purpose and focus on someone's face.
These questions may seem impertinent. Many Indian communities respect work completed in collaboration. My cousin and I did it together. In some Indian cultures people show respect by watching, and refrain from doing until mastery has been achieved. Indian children, therefore, learn to develop a respectful distance, and independently choose when they are ready to try testing, or participating in a group activity.