Im the same way in class. Shes just really shy, and cares about what alot of people think. Probably has low self esteem, or maybe been through alot of stuff in her life. Im still like that to this day and im 18. Just give her her space. I hate it when I dont feel like talking and my teacher puts me on the spot. Or maybe you should talk to her after class and ask her if everything is ok, but tell her she doesn’t have to answer that if she feels uncomfortable.

Thats so nice of you to care about your student like that, it’s really kind. I wish we had every teacher that teaches liek you….

What a coincidence, i am very shy and extremely quiet in school also. in fact, people sometimes criticize me for being too quiet, and it annoys me many times. this happened more frequently before college. I isolated in order to avoid people from criticizing me . i isolated so much, that i embarrassed myself many times, and now, i kinda regret it. ive been stuck with this shyness since 1995. I became more quieter as the years in school went by. it was as if the shyness was getting worse. I could talk to other people, but only when its urgent (ex: saying polite words, asking for help, answering in class, answering a persons question),. Till this day, i am still shy and quiet but i am proud of it. If i weren’t so shy and quiet, then i would have misbehaved in school, i would have probably disrespected other people, and i would also have most likely cursed in front of other people, especially kids . Good thing my shyness stopped me from doing these stupid things. I’m not shy and quiet in front of my family members though. seems like the problem that your student may be experiencing is social anxiety disorder. there’s a possibility that she may not be so shy and quiet in front of her family members, and maybe very close friends. whatever you do, don’t let the other students criticize her for being quiet, and encourage the students to help her feel comfortable about her shyness. you can also show her your support and tell her about the positive things about being shy and quiet. you can also tell her that I am shy and quiet too, in fact, i am the most quietest and shyest person that anyone can ever know. i thought i would have been in the Guinness world records for this.

i think your student is very shy, and i would let it be, she might be depressed, it does not sound like it, sign of depression is being withdrawn, and she will respond when spoken to.. if she appears well groomed, does her assignments both in class and at home, her work is on a acceptable level, i would let her be. if you are concerned still, i would send a letter to the family and inquire what the parents feel about it.

She’s just a shy person and probably prefers to keep to herself. Its normal. Not everyone is meant to be a sociable person. She sounds like a “silent brain”. She doesn’t talk but she’s smart.

Didn’t you just ask this question? I already answered your previous one. Maybe you should just talk to her to find out what’s wrong. Or have her see a counselor.