At some time or another most teachers will come across students who don’t seem to want to talk or participate in class. For some it may be cultural, for others intimidation or confidence issues.  Following are some useful ideas:

• Use plenty of pair work. This will allow the students to practice in a safe environment, with the support of a fellow student, before having to contribute in open class discussion/feedback.

• Use controlled practice. Ensure the students are able to produce language in a controlled way before expecting them to be able to produce it fluently.

• Use role-play. Some students find it more comfortable to communicate when they are acting as somebody else than when they are being themselves. Role-plays are very helpful in this respect.

• Use a tape recorder. Ask the students to record what they would like to say outside the lesson. This allows the students to express themselves in a less threatening atmosphere. The teacher can listen to the recording and point out errors.