Hey!

First of all, there is a difference between being introverted and being shy. For example: I am not particularly shy introvert and I was best friends with a very shy extrovert. 

For people who are shy, introverted, or both I think that it is best that you don’t force them to participate. I, as an introvert, hate being put in the spotlight when I haven’t had time to think things through or if I am uncertain of myself.

I think that, generally, you should weight the marks so that for the first couple classes, the participation marks don’t count as much. Introverts and/or shy people need to feel comfortable and need to get used to the environment. They won’t usually jump right in.

Now, the thing is, some shy people won’t participate at all. My shy extrovert friend knew her stuff, but, for the life of her, was too freaked out to participate. That also applies to the socially anxious. Participation can be seriously difficult for them. I think that, if you have students that don’t participate at all, but, in assignments, show that they are paying attention/know their stuff, then I think that you should offer them an extra assignment to make up a portion of their grade. My shy friend ended with some marks that in no way reflected how well she actually did because her participation marks brought her down a lot.

Hope you got something out of these rambling, incoherent thoughts!

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So, while I’m here, I should apologize for not being on tumblr the last couple of weeks. I have been extremely anxious and stressed out and, on top of that, fell over on the side walk last week. I ended up with bruises the sizes of golfballs on my knees and I broke a bone in my foot (all of that from just falling over ikr). I will slowly try to tumble more now that I feel a bit better.