The Engaged Classroom and the Shy Student

An inclusive classroom

Education is changing. The formal lectures are leaving the classroom in favor of group work. This trend could lead to better or worse psychological outcomes for any student, especially the shy students. If group work means that the popular, likable students can use less confident, less (put in any adjective here) students as their workhorses for these projects, we may see an increase in depression and school absenteeism. In addition, this constant interaction means that a socially awkward student will have to worry about being taunted and bullied in the classroom instead of just the cafeteria and restrooms.

You might think this does not happen, but once again reflecting on my teaching experience, there were always 5-10 students standing in the hall outside the cafeteria during lunch. This circumstance was in a suburban, parochial school. These students preferred missing lunch to the trauma of entering the cafeteria.  If we are moving towards group work in the classrooms, I implore all teachers to monitor the environment carefully. Please do not sit at your desk and grade. If you need to get the grading done, structure your assignments so technology can help grade for you or students can self-assess for formative assignments.

Instead of assigning a project to a group, give a part of the project to each member of the group so that all the pieces are needed for the group to be successful. Cooperation and dependence on others can lead to a deeper understanding of the qualities each of us brings to a group, even the shy student who is uncomfortable advocating for himself/herself. If students are all working together, the students in the group become members of a team. This does not mean that careful watching out for vulnerable students is not needed.

Teaching the shy student

As a teacher, take the time to give yourself an honest assessment. Could you be unconsciously grading higher and providing better opportunities for students whom you find attractive or who are more similar to you or your children? Many have documented unconscious bias in the classroom. Parents watch closely. As the educational environment changes, what do you see in your children? Ask questions of the school and teachers—volunteer in the classroom. Mental health is a significant area of inadequate funding for both research and medical care. We need to work as a community. A group project, yes, but we need all members of the group to be on our team.