Student Participation Strategy

For students who don't like to participate in group discussions, try this neat tip I picked up from CHAMPS creator Randy Sprick:

Give student a certain number of paper clips to use during a class discussion.  Explain privately that you understand that they don't tend to share during group much, but you know they have some really great comments or answers to add to the discussion.  Tell them you'd like for them to move a paper clip from one pocket to another each time the speak out in group discussion.  You've set a goal for how many times you'd like by the number of clips given.  As they get more comfortable, the number can be increased, and eventually, the strategy discontinued.