A Strange Incident in Class

Last week, there is this strange unexpected incident happened in class.

I noticed total refusal from a student to participate in class.

We had an analysis activity where the students need to do research online and discuss answers to several questions.

After some time, I encouraged every student to share their answers.

When it was this student’s turn, there was total refusal. I told her to meet me after class.

When all the students left, I had a one to one chat with her. She refused to share or say anything. I asked her if she faces problems with English language or maybe she is shy in front of other students. Still she refused to respond.

Then I asked her: If marks are allocated for participation? She said: Give me zero. I don’t want to participate. I don’t want to say anything.

Clearly there is an issue of lack of trust and trauma in this behavior.

I didn’t know what to do. I was stuck in that strange moment.

I arrived the office and shared this with my office colleagues.

Finally I referred her name to the departmental counselling service for further support and help.