Trouble with shy students?

Question

Hello, I am an American English teacher in Japan. I am teaching middle school English. In Japan we divide students into classes due to academic performance. One of my classes (the lowest class). The students are very non-responsive. I feel that most of this stems from being shy. I have no doubt that these kids are all rather bright as I can see it in their eyes. I am looking for ways to make them more involved and do better in school. I want them to be eager to respond to questions and not shy away when I ask a question. Even if asked in Japanese, they are unresponsive. I've looked up on the net how to deal with shy students but have only found info for individual students (which I am unable to do with so many students). Any one have any info on what I am dealing with or have any other theories (I may be wrong about the shyness), or an idea as to what we can do about a whole classroom of students who just won't work with me? Thank you!

Answer 1

I grew up as a shy child, and putting myself in their shoes, I think it would help if you asked them what they would like to learn about in your class. Also, it might be beneficial to teach your students about the U.S. and some positive aspects and experiences of the country. Perhaps if you brought in some items unique to the United States, it might strike up more conversation.

Some kids are just shy around new people. Chances are your students will open up to you once they get to know you better.

Hope this helps! =D

Answer 2

Put aside a half hour each day for the children to write in journal what they fount exciting in class that day and what they fount disturbing
what they like and dislike ie activities inside and outside school
and other questions you can think off this will give you a basis to work from
throught out the day if possible have a 10 minute one to one with say 5 different children seperately this will ensure a personal relationship and trust bond if it is you they fear/shy off
make it so that each friday they have a golden hour this is given with stars or something they can only participate if they have reached a certain number of stars for those who have not reached the number then they must continue with their school work for a few extra minutes this can also be used has a dicipline for if they are naughty they lose a star but only after being given 2 or 3 warnings your choice
this all helps to build a relationship whilst still ensuring good behaviour in the class room
Golden hour if permissable by school should be say a hour outside in the yard playing with certain toys or games or in the class room


just a thought

Answer 3

you should try integrating the learnings of indiviual methods of ridding shyness with full group/class methods. why not try and divide the class up into groups, you pick, not them, it can be even more embarassing for the remaining kid/s if you don't, and then choose 1 group, and work with them yourself, and let the rest of the class work on a whole other lesson plan, in groups or not, whichever is fine, and then keep doing that every now and then, and also give participation EXTRA CREDIT points after a certain number of questions answered.... oh, and another method that works somewhat is by everyday coming in and asking EVERY kid a question, maybe about the same thing, or a different one, hopefully it will be an easy one, giving the children confidence, you could amp it up later on i guess, but they need the confidence first... repetitive questions (based on pronunciation possibly) are usually pretty effective to start off, which makes the kids a little more confident of their answer after hearing the question and answer heard over and over again... variate possibly later on... GL, and JAPANESE LOVE FOREVER!

Answer 4

First of all, thats very interesting that you're teaching English in Japan :D I'm japanese, and I've experienced English classes at a Japanese School before. well, to answer your question::
Let them know that not speaking up in class affects their grade. They strive to do well in school, so that's one strategy.
Another thing is to have the students interact with each other. Group activities and such??. Yes.
Another thing is to REALLY motivate these students to learn English and teach them the benefits and let them know that if they're not assertive if and when they ever come to the US, They won't make it. they'll be surprised for sure :)
They're really respectful when it comes to teachers, and maybe they're afraid that you may get mad if and when they respond incorrectly. Let them know that you won't. :D

Answer 5

im a student myself and its hard to pay attention i like it when my teachers make things fun instead of lectures. so maybe have fun with what u teach make jokes with some of the things it could help a lot and with the shy kids try to help interact them by sitting them next to kids that are not shy at all so that way they are more communicative

Answer 6

well, im a shy student at my school too. the reason im shy is because i am afraid of being yelled at. well, what best to help shy students is to well, set up an activity that invovles standing up. put students in groups so they feel less in a classroom and more outside. make jokes so you get them laughing.

Answer 7

sure, a few men and women have terrible anxiousness on best of being shy is there besides you'll be able to speak on your professor approximately this earlier than the semester ends? you probably equipped to elevate your grade to a b- a minimum of... i assume the idea is that you are going to conquer your shyness and take part, however that is tremendously presumptuous. plenty of my professors had been very knowledge of scholars with participation disorders and continuously inspire any person to speak to make the surroundings extra secure. one in all my professors stated each week to be certain to take a look at to take part to get extra secure doing it. she stored pronouncing how she had a ton of disorders collaborating whilst she herself used to be in university so she used to be so courteous of her scholars. it is a different tale for a few of my different ones. it is like they are absolutely clueless approximately it and that simply makes all people wish to speak much less. additionally it isn't reasonable to maintain deciding upon the identical men and women first time and again. without doubt you are not able to maintain speaking approximately the identical factor eternally bc you'll run out of smart dialogue facets... i am sorry approximately your unhealthy success :(

Answer 8

i have an idea if it goes over in japan get something together they all like discuss a group band or movie something everyone in the class likes to relate to each other even a game how about cards something to connect them then they will all have a common connection or denominator if u will trust me it will work find something they can all relate to

Answer 9

Well, if you divide them up according to their academic performance.....that's like making them outsiders just because they didn't do so well in class. How would you feel if someone put you in a certain class because they felt that you weren't as smart others. I would be unresponsive as well.

Answer 10

Possibly give each student a letter and letting them know that shyness Will affect their grade. Yes this will scare the crap out of them, but remind them that to succeed in the fast paced world of today, one cannot sit and be quiet. They get passed and suffer much displeasure to those who voice their wishes and get heard. Maybe try to be in tune with them and what sort of things make them comfortable.