“Well This Is Awkward”: Silence and Participation in an Undergraduate Classroom

• In Event: Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: Division J Section 4 Poster Session 1

Abstract

This practitioner action research project explores the roles of silence and participation in an undergraduate teacher education classroom. In order to address my concerns with a lack of vocal participation in the course, I began to explore with my students the many ways in which we can define and demonstrate both participation and engagement. Through narrative interviews, observation, and written reflections, the students and I worked to develop an understanding of how silence may contribute to effective learning and engagement. Our conclusions demonstrate the need for instructors to allow for silences in the classroom, both for student learning and for student comfort. Implications for teaching and undergraduate student learning will be discussed.

Author

• Melissa J. DeJonckheere, University of Cincinnati