The following table lists some possible reasons for student reticence, with ideas, activities and advice teachers and counselors have used to try to assist students to overcome it. Click here if you would like to go to a text-based version.
Lack of communication skills Invite students to office hours.
Some students feel they will be stigmatized so they don't self-identify until too late. By stating it overtly in class, it encourages communication. Increasing wait time after asking a question to 5 secs. Give feedback that supports students' efforts to share thoughts aloud, and instructs in vocabulary usage and other communication skills. Lack of self-esteem or excessive shyness Tell a story about a student who was really shy or reticent but who had outstanding potentials, and what the student did to overcome it.