By Anita Samuel
Every class—whether online or in person—has quiet students. They rarely raise their hands, speak up in discussion, or draw attention to themselves. In person, they might sit toward the back, taking notes quietly. Online, their cameras stay off, their mics stay muted.
It’s easy to assume they’re disengaged. But often, they’re not. They’re listening, processing, thinking carefully before responding. Their silence doesn’t mean they’re absent. It just means they participate differently.
Some students are quiet because they’re shy or anxious. Others are managing things we can’t see: cultural norms around speaking up, language barriers, neurodivergence, or simple discomfort with the spotlight. In online settings, add in tech issues, noisy environments, or camera fatigue—and silence becomes even more layered.
The goal isn’t to “make” everyone talk. It’s to make sure everyone has a voice.
1. Redefine
participation.
Engagement doesn’t have to mean speaking out loud. In person, it could mean
quick writes, post-it reflections, or partner discussions before sharing to the
group. Online, it could mean chat messages, emoji reactions, or short written
responses.
2. Use low-pressure
check-ins.
Not every contribution has to be public. Try anonymous polls, quick surveys, or
a “one thing you learned” exit ticket. Private notes or messages can help
quieter students share without the spotlight.
3. Normalize different
styles of engagement.
Say it clearly: “You don’t have to speak up to be part of the conversation.”
When students know there are multiple valid ways to engage, they feel safer
contributing in the way that fits them best.
4. Reach out
personally, not publicly.
If someone seems disconnected, a private “How’s the class feeling for you?” can
make a big difference. It shows care, not criticism.
Quiet students aren’t invisible—they just communicate in quieter ways. Whether in a classroom or a Zoom room, hearing them requires a shift in how we listen.
Because learning isn’t always loud. Sometimes, the most thoughtful voices are the ones waiting for a little more space to be heard. Let us remember that introverts need to feel included as well!