[alawton]

I think that sometimes the dynamics of a class is just not conducive to people wanting to volunteer spontaneous responses. The best you can do is try your best to get everyone comfortable. Let them know that mistakes are OK. Find a topic that is neutral, or entertaining, and see if they will go with that. Talking about sports or movies usually gets my shyest classes talking. I know it is tough when they are beginners. Just keep the atmosphere light and they will open up. Language learners amaze even themselves, with their language skills, when they are relaxed. It is no secret why, when people drink, they find themselves spouting off sentences in the language they usually have trouble with. Good luck.