Originally Posted by Austin
It just takes practice!

All due respect, but this is not the case for everyone. I also went to a college in which every class was discussion and participation was not optional. I transferred to another college after 2 years, because, with rare exceptions, I simply could not make myself talk in class. I had selective mutism as a child, which was not addressed early and became a lifelong struggle. Now, I can force myself to talk most all the time, but only after a great deal of effort.

OP, perhaps your child just has a normal level of stage fright, or perhaps it is something more serious. If you suspect selective mutism or another anxiety disorder, I'd urge you to take it seriously and seek professional help.