Inquiry Question: How can I engage all students, including quiet/introverted students, during discussions and class activities?

Sub-question: What are some alternatives to whole group discussions to allow all students to be fully engaged?

My inquiry question focuses on finding techniques and strategies to engage all students, including those who are quiet and introverted, during discussions and classroom activities. This focus of inquiry arose during my practicum when I noticed that there are significant disparities in the way students interact and engage in the classroom. Often, it is the same group of students who raise their hand to answer questions and vocalize their opinions and ideas. The quiet students, however, are always listening intently and are quick to begin and complete their schoolwork. Thus, it occurred to me that there must be ways to engage them in open discussion since they are focused and seem interested in the subject material. In addition, after spending some one on one time with quieter students, I noticed that they ask questions to clarify their understanding of the subject material and are keen to share their ideas about schoolwork. This showed me that although such students may not be quick to raise their hand and answer a question, they understand the material and have a desire to learn. I also observed teachers regularly using the same arrangement when having students work together. I have noticed that this can easily disengage students so in my own teaching, I will be conscious of this and try to find ways to keep students interested in the subject matter.