1. Create a non-judging environment. Don’t harshly criticize the responses of ALL students. Instead of saying “you’re wrong”, say “that answer is 3/10” etc and then guide them to get 10/10.

2. Reward those who speak up. Anything from extra points to sweets.

3. Create a respectful classroom culture. Teach your students to keep quiet when others are talking, put their hand up to ask a question, not laugh at or ridicule their classmates.

4. Openly praise anyone who is brave enough to participate in class. You might think this is a small gesture, but I have had my ex students come to me after 10 years and say they really appreciate it.

Well, you always can let people write an essay