Few students are as frustrating to a teacher as those who are bright, literate, and interested--but who don't utter a word in class. The author was such a student herself. There are undoubtedly many reasons for muteness. For the author, the major factor was background. Shy students are not necessarily lazy or indifferent or hopeless. Most of the "mutes," however, wish they could speak, and some of them "desperately" want to do so. Some students don't talk because they are clueless or in over their heads (and know it), or because they are uninterested and hoping only to coast through to a C. Banging on them is unlikely to improve the class or help their education. But where written work demonstrates competence, a teacher ought to try to do more than just punish a kid for not contributing. "Teach to the best and ignore the rest" can be fun if there is a core of first-rate students. But if the object is to get the most from all students, then professors need to offer help and encouragement wherever possible.