Class Participation : A comparison of native and nonnative speakers of English

Abstract

Some students eagerly participate in class. However, others are unwilling to speak up in class. Students in some classes tend to engage in classroom discussion, but students in other classes seem to avoid speaking up in class. Why does the difference occur? This study was conducted to compare the participation level of native and normative students of English and analyze teacher feedback. The subjects came from two mixed graduate classrooms in an American University. The results of observation showed that student participation could be influenced by factors such as classroom structure, the discussion topic, and teacher feedback. Based on findings in participation level of native and nonnative speakers of English, the author gives some suggestions to increase nonnative speakers' participation in college classroom.