Silences can be quite uncomfortable, and in front of a classroom of students, 10 seconds can feel like an eternity. Class participation is tricky because it depends on several complicated dynamics. Ideally, many students will consistently volunteer in class, but a classroom community such as this takes much time, skill, and effort to build. “Cold calling” at random is a popular technique with many teachers, but it is surprisingly easy to favor certain students and exclude others using this method. This month's column presents some strategies you can use to ensure measured, fair, and encouraged participation in your classroom.