difference in grade levels

Over the weekend, I went backt o my high school and observed a couple of classes. I observed an AP BC Calc class, a Honors Advanced Algebra class, a Honors Geometry class, an Intermediate Algebra class, and a Global Studies class. It was interesting to compare the different levels of math classes as well as the difference between high school social studies and middle school social studies. The biggest thing I noticed was the interaction between the teachers and students. In middle school, the students were so enthusiastic to answer questions. They wave their arms frantically hopeing to be picked. As they get older, they become more and more subdued. By the time they become seniors, they are so timid in answering. I started to wonder if students, as they get older, feel that the fear of being wrong becomes too great and they are afraid to take that risk. It made me realize that I, as an educator, will have to be very consicous of establishing an open and comfortable atmosphere in the classroom so that the students don't feel afraid to take a risk. I rather have students attempting and trying to answer questions than to sit in silence the whole class. It was a very interesting and opening experience. I am planning to go back again and observe more classes, just so that I can have the benefit of seeing several teachers and several ages of students.