The Shy Factor

[Nik]

I know a lot of students don't read the PJ. This blog is worth a read though for all pharmacy students:

The Shy Factor | PJ Online

[unholyteddy]

Very interesting...I think it's more about the potential humiliation rather than not wanting to know the answer.

But, it's disappointing a lot has to be spoon-fed, shown in bright neon lights or spelt out phonetically. Whatever happened to using a good old book? And not to mention the saviour that is Google!

[DavidS]

more about the potential humiliation

or the fear thereof, yes.

The key is to get someone to break the ice. I often do this at meetings by saying something ridiculous, or interrupting to ask a question, and you can feel the tension in the room ebb away, and more questions come forth. Its demonstrating that I can speak and not be humiliated.

If you are a lecturer, its a good idea to make sure someone is primed to break the ice. The chairman will often do it, or you can set a signal with a brave confidante in the audience.

A good speaker can do it with a joke coupled with a pointed request for feedback. Some actually shift the energy by getting EVERYONE to do something that would be considered outrageous if just one person did it.

[johnep]

As you may have guessed, I am quite outgoing, always make a point at a meeting to talk to someone by themselves.
johnep

[Nik]

I suppose there is an element of fear of being humiliated but why should students feel humiliated if they give a right or wrong answer ? When lecturers ask questions, they don't expect us to give an in-depth answer, or have the knowledge of a pharmacist, but they do expect us to be able to at least give some kind of response. It's amazing to me how many people would describe themselves "outgoing", "talkative" or having excellent communication skills, but there doesn't seem to be any evidence of that in a lecture or a workshop.