Shyness is something a child is born with or without, and has no bearing at all about how socially, academically and emotionally adjusted he or she is. Sometimes students display a quiet demeanor and as educators we must see beyond and behind the outside demeanor.
It might seem that a shy child is low in confidence. In actuality, he is feeling the attention is on him and simply doesn’t want to be the center of attention. As a tutor, if you are having a tough time helping a student reach his full capabilities, there are some strategies you can implement such as positive reinforcement, peer interaction and confidence building.
As the tutor, you must understand that the effort is 90% yours. Students that are unwilling to work or seem reserved are that way due to being uncomfortable or anxious. It is your job to help the student feel more comfortable. Try offering a small compliment, acknowledgement of an effort, or an exercises that sets them up for success. Take the time to really listen to him. Possibly slow down the pace. Reassure him that “practice makes progress”. And tell him that it really doesn’t matter if he raises his hand in class – that it is no representation on how smart and capable he is.
Some studies have suggested creating peer involvement where the student would not normally do themselves. Cross-age tutoring, small group tutoring and cooperative activities can help draw out a shy student. Assign him a designated role to exercise his strengths in front of others. Individual tutoring goes beyond just the books and homework.
Lastly, you can help a shy student thrive by building his confidence to be more of who he is naturally. Normalize the shyness. After all, half of our population is considered shy. Guide him into knowing that it is perfectly human and accepted to not want to ask the teacher a question, or to talk all the time, or to be uncomfortable in new situations.
If you are tutoring a shy child, congratulations! You are working with a smart, insightful, usually well-focused and gentle child.
