Expect to engage actively with the texts you read and with the people in your class, whether you meet in person or online.
Speaking up in class is viewed as inappropriate or even rude in some cultures. In U.S. academic settings, however, doing so is expected and encouraged. Indeed, some instructors assign credit for participation in class discussions. The challenge is to contribute without losing track of the overall conversation or aims of the class and without monopolizing the discussion. These guidelines can help:
Listen purposefully, jotting down related points and following the flow of the conversation.
If you think you might lose track of your ideas while speaking, jot down key words to keep you on track.
Make your comments count by asking a key question to clarify a point, by taking the conversation in a more productive direction, or by analyzing or summarizing what has been said.
Respond to questions or comments by others as specifically as possible (The passage on p. 42 supports your point rather than I agree).
If you have trouble participating in class discussions, try making one comment a day. You might also speak with your instructor about ways to contribute to the conversation.
Remember that there is no direct correlation between talking in class and being intellectually engaged: many students are participating actively whether or not they are speaking.
In class discussions, instructors will also expect you to offer informed opinions in response to your reading. Keep in mind that instructors are not asking you to be negative or combative; rather, they want to know that you are engaged with the text and with the class. Expect to preview, annotate, summarize, and analyze each text as part of reading critically.
Video Prompt: Something to learn from each other