How to Get Students Talking in Your Nursing and Health Science Classes (Even the Quiet Ones)

Some students can talk all day about social media—but freeze when it’s time to discuss healthcare scenarios. Here’s how to build a safe space for all voices in your classroom.

Use Structured Discussions

Think-pair-share, Socratic seminars, or small-group rotations. Check out this great article with more details on how to implement these discussion strategies and more.

Introduce Ethical Scenarios

Engage students with dilemmas they may face in real patient care to prompt critical thinking and lively discussion. Our Healthcare Ethics Debate Activity (also available on AUL) is a perennial favorite among students and teachers alike.

Assign Talking Roles

Let students take turns as summarizers, questioners, or connectors. Make sure to assign these roles and provide clear instructions for each so everyone understands expectations.

Start with Writing

Let them jot down responses first or use graphic organizers to build confidence. Every student, especially emergent bilingual (EB) students, should listen, read, write, and speak during each class period.