Supporting Shy Students in the Classroom

Abstract

Abstract. The current era is characterized by rapid changes, multiple transitions, an emphasis on communication skills, and the frequent need to adapt to new social frameworks. Consequently, in recent years, there has been a rise in awareness regarding the consequences of shyness, a phenomenon that dictates various aspects of a person’s life, for example, career choices and forming relationships. Research in this field indicates the necessity of supporting shy individuals from an early age in order to assist them expand the scope of their social experiences and realize their personal potential. This review sums up the theory and the research of support for shy pupils in the school framework. There are two parts to the article. The first reviews the nature of shyness, including its impact on the lives of children, adolescents, and adults, and risk and protective factors. The second part focuses on support of shy pupils in educational frameworks, including teachers’ outlooks on the subject, supportive strategies, and a proposal for how to present the subject to teachers. The last part describes directions for further research.