Buzz
Many educators now incorporate participation grades into their courses. Actively engaging in class discussions not only enhances your grade but also demonstrates to your instructor that you are a dedicated student. Speaking up reflects your investment in the material, even if you're not fully captivated by it. Introducing yourself before the course begins, staying on top of assignments, arriving to class with thoughtful questions or comments, and respecting the views of others will make it much easier for you to participate.
Steps
Preparing for Class
Build a rapport with your instructor. Take the initiative to introduce yourself to your teacher before class begins. This is a great way to create a positive impression. It is especially crucial in large courses, such as lectures with hundreds of students, where your instructor may never learn your name otherwise. This gesture shows your teacher that you are engaged and willing to put in the work.
- If you're in a high school class, try to meet with your teacher outside of class time. Discuss any concerns or challenges you're facing, or talk about something that caught your interest. If you're enrolled in a college course, make use of your teacher’s office hours. Ask questions, voice concerns, or bring in assignments for feedback.
Complete your assignments. This is one of the most crucial steps. If you haven’t done your homework, you won’t be ready to participate in class. Many instructors will base class discussions on the assigned readings, so it's important to stay current with your reading and assignments.
Plan your contributions before class begins. While working on your homework, note anything that confuses or interests you. Jot down questions or points to raise in your notebook for the next session. Think about the material in the broader context of the entire unit or year.
- If you're studying military strategies in WWII, link it to strategies from WWI that you’ve already covered. You might say, “It’s fascinating how the machine gun, developed in WWI, played a pivotal role in WWII.”
- Relate your readings to real-world events or decisions. For example, you could ask, “Did you know that after Melville’s White Jacket was published, Congress passed a law banning flogging in the Navy?”
Understand your teacher's approach. If you take the time to understand your teacher’s classroom style, you’ll be better equipped to participate. Some instructors, especially in more factual subjects, might simply ask for answers. Others might seek your opinions or interpretations, or a mix of both.
- If your teacher typically asks questions based on the previous day’s notes, make sure to take thorough notes. If your teacher asks for opinions, consider where you stand on the material you’ve studied. Do you agree or disagree, and why?
Staying Engaged During Class
Make sure you’re prepared for class. Ensure your basic needs are addressed before class starts. If you’re hungry, it can be hard to focus. Dress appropriately, eat something, and take care of other personal needs before class. Bring a water bottle or another drink, and wear layers in case you get uncomfortable.
Stay focused. Avoid daydreaming or gazing out the window. Don’t let your classmates distract you either. Put away your phone and resist the urge to text during class. If you're using a computer, stay on task and avoid browsing the internet or checking your social media accounts.
Engage with your body language. Show your teacher and classmates that you’re fully present. Maintain eye contact with the person speaking, and give them your undivided attention. Nod to show understanding or agreement with what’s being said.
Speaking Up During Class
Stay calm. If you're feeling nervous, it may be difficult to speak up. Take a few deep breaths before raising your hand to contribute. Remind yourself that you’re well-prepared and have something valuable to share or ask. While it may feel like all eyes are on you, the moment will pass quickly, and most of your peers will likely admire your bravery and insight for participating.
EXPERT TIP
Alicia Oglesby
Professional School Counselor
Professional School Counselor
Challenge yourself to speak up in class. It can be tough for shy students to find their voice in class, but try to push yourself to participate more. If you're struggling, let your teacher know in private. You can also consider asking questions one-on-one after class if you’re more comfortable with that.
Speak with clarity. When you have something to contribute, make sure to speak clearly and to the point. Avoid mumbling or looking down while talking. Direct your attention to the teacher (or the student) you’re addressing. Confidence is key—stay assured without being arrogant or dismissive.
Respond to your teacher's questions. Don’t shy away from giving an answer, even if it’s not perfect or goes against the grain. Your teacher will appreciate the effort you're putting into the class, even if your answer isn't exactly what they were expecting.
Respond to questions from your peers. You might be able to explain a concept in a way that resonates better with your classmates, offering them a fresh perspective. Doing so will also show your teacher that you’re actively listening and engaging with the material, which they will appreciate.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. If something doesn’t quite make sense, speak up. This includes any questions you’ve written down while doing your homework, as well as topics introduced in that day’s lesson. Chances are, your classmates have similar doubts, and your teacher will appreciate the opportunity to clarify things for everyone.
Share your opinion. Don’t be afraid to respectfully voice your disagreement with a classmate, the author of the material, or even your teacher. Keep it respectful—don’t insult anyone, even in a debate—but remember, you don’t have to agree with everyone.
- If you disagree, consider saying something like, “I understand your perspective, but from my point of view…” or “I see where you’re coming from, but in my opinion…”
Strike a balance. Don’t feel pressured to answer every question or weigh in on every topic. However, don’t assume that speaking up only once during the entire semester will be enough either. Aim to contribute once or twice in each class, but be sure that your comments are meaningful and relevant.
