This is a huge issue, and one I’m dealing with more frequently this year than I’ve ever had to in the past. I think a portion of it is the newness of me – I’m the fourth teacher they’ve had this year. Why should they tell me when they’re stuck? They’re lacking consistency and stability. As soon as that’s established, I think they’ll start to come around.

I also think heading toward the #CCourses stuff is going to help. There’s research (not to mention a ton of anecdotal evidence) that writing tends to help students open up. Another thing I do to encourage discussion is asking, “Pretend you did have a question,” or, “Pretend you do know.” It removes some of the “can’t be wrong” fear they all have and allows for a discussion to start.