Why are my classmates so passive?

My class a majority of Asians, before you judge them for their race, I'm also Asian but born American born. In our class participation is worth credit and the teacher marks it down for those who participate. I participate even if I don't know the answer. I also give people chances to answer by remaining quiet and still no one answers.





They wouldn't risk a wrong answer for participation points? I'm not saying all of them are passive but a lot of them are, maybe because some aren't born here but still I'd thought the credit would get to them. Why won't they participate?





Thanks for reading.

Why are my classmates so passive?
Perhaps they are just worried about being embarrased by giving the wrong answer.
Reply:what the hell? its their life, let them do what they want, if they wont answer then you give the answer
Reply:People are afraid to be wrong - and to let other people know they don't know the answer.
Reply:Maybe they just hate being wrong. I always hated being wrong. I mean, it is a little embarrassing when you get an answer wrong when in front of a whole class.





Oh! This is college! Well...I don't know. The participation points thing threw me off (thought it was high school).