How to encourage classroom participation in shy students

We understand that many teachers struggle with encouraging participation in classroom activities. While participation in discussions and group activities is an important part of education, for some students it can be difficult to make their voice heard. Fortunately, there are ways to encourage shy students to take part in classroom activities, by building their confidence and reinforcing the value of their contributions.

Here are four ways to encourage shy students to speak up.

Promote belonging through new experiences

A sense of belonging gives students the feeling that they’ll fit in and that they’re safe to be and express themselves. Importantly, it also improves student motivation, academic achievement, and makes them feel that they’re seen and heard. When pupils feel comfortable and like they belong, they’re more likely to participate in classroom activities, as they feel safe to be wrong. These activities can include things like raft building or skiing, or even an outdoor and adventure residential programme.

Making sure that all activities are adapted to suit your pupils’ abilities is an important way to increase feelings of belonging through inclusion. Trips away are a fantastic way to promote belonging, but they can be a source of anxiety for some children. Finding ways to make sure that all pupils feel supported in new environments will ensure that everyone feels secure and will encourage shy pupils to contribute.

Grow relationships through teamwork activities

Good quality relationships between classmates that are stable and supportive encourage student engagement through consistent reinforcement. This is because students are more likely to help their friends with emotional and academic problems and will develop positive attitudes towards school. Encouraging students to work with their peers also means that they’re more likely to participate. Teambuilding activities are particularly useful ways to strengthen relationships and improve communication skills.

Read some of our suggestions for teamwork activities for Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3.

Build confidence through comfort

For every pupil there are different factors and environments in which they feel more comfortable. In these situations, they’re more likely to feel confident and become involved in the activity. Observe which environments your shy students seem the most relaxed in and see if you can use these factors to improve their confidence. Maybe your pupil works best in small groups or prefers a certain activity? Including elements that they already feel secure with can help them to reach outside of their comfort zones.

Give support through feedback

Feedback is an important part of encouraging students’ growth. It helps guide your class’s work and enables you to keep track of their progress. But did you know that positive feedback can increase motivation, determination, and even reduce anxiety? In turn, feedback makes students feel like they matter and that they’re appreciated. This praise helps even the quietest students feel more comfortable and encourages them to take part in lessons.