In class discussions, there are several types of students. Those who engage and consistently share their ideas, but there are also students who do not participate. According to Wilbert J McKeachie and Marilla Svinicki, these students are called “nonparticipants.” In McKeachie’s Teaching Tips, McKeachie and Svinicki suggest several ways to encourage nonparticipants to share their ideas.
- Have students break into smaller groups and/or partners so they can discuss their thoughts first with a more intimate setting.
- Encourage students to write down their thoughts, so they can formulate them into a cohesive idea before sharing.
- Reward and affirm students when they share. Giving them a smile or a nod to acknowledge their ideas and/or thoughts.
- Ask questions that do not have a right or wrong answer. Fear of being wrong is a major reason for nonparticipants. So, asking more open ended and general questions encourages participation.