Students seated in the typical row arrangement might not participate as much as students who are seated in a circle. If possible, position the classroom chairs in a circle to encourage student participation. This is a technique many teachers use on the first day of school. It is a way that students can learn each other's names and get to know their fellow classmates. During class discussions, a circular seating arrangement may encourage students to participate more than they normally would.
The use of icebreakers is a common technique classroom teachers use to put students at ease and encourage participation. Icebreakers are questions the teacher asks to generate conversation. They are often silly questions, but they can also be serious questions. For example, a funny icebreaker question is "If you could be any cartoon character, who would you be and why?" Other examples of icebreaker questions are "If you could be any fruit, which would you be and why" and "If you could choose only one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would you choose and why?" Students may feel free to participate in an activity like this because it is non-threatening and fun.
Another way to encourage participation is to make it mandatory. Prior to a class discussion, hand out an equal amount of poker chips, or any other small item, to each student. Each time a student comments or participates in some way during the discussion, he gives one of his chips to the teacher. Students must use all their chips by the time the discussion is over.
If a teacher talks too much, the students may not have an opportunity to participate. To encourage students to participate, limit the amount of lectures you give and offer enough opportunities for students to comment or ask questions. When students do participate, make them feel that their words and thoughts are important. Encourage them to say what they think or feel; always make your students feel that their input is important and vital to the success of the class as a whole.
Divide classes into small groups of three to five students. Students, especially shy ones, may find it easier to speak to just a few students than to speak to a whole classroom of them. Give the small groups questions to discuss and answer. If students learn to speak up in small groups, they may gain confidence and be more likely to speak in larger groups.