Create a rubric, or a chart to help you evaluate student behavior in the classroom. Categorize specific behaviors to grade in order to determine class participation, such as volunteering the answers to questions, posing questions, reading aloud and giving presentations. List students' names vertically down one side of the chart, followed by boxes for each category you have chosen to evaluate. The categories should be listed across the top of the page.
Keep a folder with the rubric in your classroom in order to keep track of classroom participation as it happens. Fill in the boxes with marks each time you observe a student meeting one of the determined categories of participation.
Assign a grade to a certain number of participatory marks. You might choose to give a student with five marks in every box an "A," a student with four marks a "B," and so on.
Discuss participation with the class as a whole. Let students know that their behavior is being observed and evaluated. Help them understand that their participation will lead to a better learning environment for everyone involved. If students show shy or disruptive behavior, you may need to talk to them individually about ways to improve their participation grade.