How can we encourage the silent students?
These students are shy, we have to first involve them with small group of students and then gradually through encouragement should bring them out of their shells.
I also include a lot of short, informal presentations for students to do. They are required, but graded as a simple pass/fail. This forces students to participate, but expectations are kept moderate so students don't feel too much pressure. I find this works well in entry level courses.
I believe when taking your breaks from the class room to brake the ice barrier you should approach the student with some conversation and with each break include more students into the conversation.
I believe this would help them be more at ease with each other.
baby steps. that sounds like common sense. Buddy system. I'll try it.
