our eagerness, or the look of involvement on our faces. Only by watching
those you teach can you develop the potential of all students-not just
those who repeatedly assert themselves.
• Helping the nonparticipator takes time. Therefore, develop a willing
attitude about giving your time. Otherwise, little change is possible. This
student needs a relationship with an adult.
• Make time to talk with and listen to students who are not participating.
Many of them feel removed from their teacher and classmates. Class study
time is an ideal opportunity for such contact. First, identify the
nonparticipants. Second, make sure you have private words with them at
least once each week. You may find your private efforts result in better
participation as well as the development of closer teacher-student
relationships. However, keep in mind that the privacy of students should
be protected. Therefore, make sure that classmates do not know what you
are talking about, or your efforts will not produce the desired results.
• Remember, without giving attention, it is often difficult to maintain good
adult-child relationships. This is especially true regarding relationships with
the nonparticipator. You must be careful not to shut this student out of
your mind. Remember, "out of mind, out of expectations" can happen
easily with a student who doesn't do well academically. Never forget, this
is the kid who needs you the most. The student knows it-and so should
you. If you don't, the student is likely to believe that he/she shouldn't be in
school.
• You may find that class discussion periods are times when you exert
increased control of student behavior. If this is the case, examine the types
of questions you are using to stimulate discussion. Ask yourself, "Do the
questions I ask generally terminate group thinking and involve only the one
student being questioned?" Good questions provoke, elevate, and sustain
thought from all students in the class. When the level of questioning is
elevated beyond simple recall responses, there is increased participation
by all students and the teacher will have fewer management difficulties.
Mistakes: Common misjudgments and errors in managing the child which may
perpetuate or intensify the problem.
• Failing to notice student indifference immediately. Because the
nonparticipator is often quiet, he/she can go unnoticed.