It is important. Morsi admits undergraduates usually need more care and attention. The transition from high school to a strong engineering program can be difficult, especially for students who were not taught to ask questions in high school or who are subject to peer pressure or teacher intimidation. I insist on participation in my classes. Ask even a stupid question, I tell my classes.
Minor questions open the door to new questions.
Unfortunately, many students were not taught how to talk. You might hear students complain about a class outside the class. That makes me feel really sad. Come to me, I say. Let's talk about it.