Encouraging Participation

As in any group setting, there will be some participants who feel at ease immediately and begin to interact, while others choose to sit back and observe for a while. In addition, the areas of discussion in financial matters may seem very new and scary to some people—and certainly not something you talk about in public. Respect these different personality preferences and views of managing money by helping all to participate when it is appropriate and they are ready. Ask questions of the group as a whole, and also ask individuals for their opinions, especially the quieter people—but don’t press them. If a participant asks you a question, redirect it to the group or an individual to foster interaction and discussion.

Another way to encourage participation is to have students work in small groups. This arrangement can be less intimidating for quiet students than to speak up than in front of the entire class. It will also help form bonds in the class and make your participants more aware of the issues and challenges that everyone may be sharing.