FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

How can a teacher best support shy students who tend to stay close to them?

1. Ignoring the behavior.

2. Assigning the student tasks to help others.

3. Encouraging them to speak up.

4. Involving them in group discussions.

The correct answer is: Assigning the student tasks to help others.

Assigning the student tasks to help others can be a powerful way to support shy students who tend to stay close to the teacher. This approach provides a structured way for shy students to engage with their peers while simultaneously easing them into social interactions. When tasked with helping others, these students may feel more comfortable stepping out of their comfort zone, as they have a clear role and purpose. Additionally, this method fosters a sense of responsibility and can enhance the shy student's confidence. By contributing to the classroom environment in a supportive capacity, shy students may gradually develop their social skills and become more comfortable interacting with their peers. It also creates opportunities for positive reinforcement from both the teacher and classmates, which can further encourage the shy student to expand their interactions over time. In contrast, other options may not effectively facilitate social engagement. For instance, encouraging them to speak up could create pressure and anxiety rather than support; involving them in group discussions might be overwhelming without proper preparation; and ignoring the behavior does not address their needs at all, leaving them without support.