The reticent student: implications for nurse educators

Nursing education has recently begun to shift to a more emancipatory learning format. In accord with Freire, many nursing classrooms currently use dialogical teaching approaches as an integral part of the education process. There are many students unable to share in the process of dialogue because of reticence. Reticence is a personality quality in which a person is reluctant to speak. While dialogue appears to be a way to promote learning and is intended to result in emancipation for students, it may result in subjugation for the shy, reticent student. The literature does not provide information regarding the impact of reticence on the student in higher education, particularly the student in a professional program. This article discusses the impact of reticence on the learning experiences of nursing students and the effects of classroom dynamics and teaching methodologies used with nursing students.