Purpose Statement
To identify reasons for
student reticence in the classroom so that these difficulties can be rectified.
Description of Activity
My Introduction to Psychology class identified the
following factors as contributing to student reticence in class. By discussing
this topic in class and by nonjudgementally soliciting student input, I feel I
made a positive intervention towards reducing reticence in the class. The
factors identified by the students, listed below in the order in which they
were mentioned and discussed, seem fairly general and worthy of any
instructor's consideration:
1. fear of being wrong or rejected
2. feeling of inadequate knowledge or preparation
3. some teachers give the impression that you're wasting their time
4. feeling of being less bright than others
5. feeling that their question is too personal or revealing
6. cultural norms (for example, Asian) and language difficulties
7. pace of class too fast
8. lack of self-confidence in general
9. not wanting to set teacher off on a long, time-consuming aside
10. boredom
hesitantly submitted by Spencer Sherman
Materials Needed
No special materials
needed.
Application
The instructor should
ponder what modifications will create a better in-class climate.
Related Student Services
Counseling services
this web page was created
on 11/2/99 at 4:20:41 PM
and modified on 11/23/99 at 11:38:52 PM