Speak Up

YOUR TURN

Work Together

Think about the number of times during the past week you have raised your hand in class to ask a question. Do you ask questions frequently, or is it something you avoid? Make a list of the reasons you either do or don’t ask questions in class. Would asking more questions help you earn better grades? Be prepared to share your reflections with a small group.

Naturally, you will be more likely to participate in a class in which the instructor emphasizes interactive discussion, calls on students by name, shows signs of approval and interest, and avoids criticizing students for an incorrect answer. Often, answers that you and others offer that are not quite correct can lead to new perspectives on a topic.

In large classes instructors often use the lecture method, and large classes can be intimidating. You might feel very nervous asking a question in a class of a hundred students or more, fearing that you will make a fool of yourself and convinced that everyone else already knows the answer. What is highly likely is that when you ask a question in class, others also had the same question, were too timid to ask, and are silently thanking you! Many instructors devote time to answering questions in class. To take full advantage of these opportunities, try using the following techniques:

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Hands Up Participating in class not only helps you learn but also shows your instructor that you’re interested and engaged. Like anything else, the first time you raise your hand might make you anxious. But after that first time, you’ll likely find that contributing to class raises your interest and enjoyment.
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  1. Take a seat as close to the front as possible. Visit your instructor during office hours and request to be moved up front if seating arrangements have you in the back of the room.
  2. Keep your eyes trained on the instructor. Sitting up front will make it easier to do than sitting in the back.
  3. Focus on the lecture. Avoid distractions. Sit away from friends who can distract you and turn off all electronic devices that you are not using solely for class.
  4. Raise your hand when you don’t understand something. The instructor might answer you immediately, ask you to wait until later in the class, or throw your question out to the rest of the class. In each case, you benefit in several ways. The instructor will get to know you, other students will get to know you, and you will learn from both the instructor and your classmates. Don’t overdo it, however, or you’ll risk disrupting class. Office hours provide the perfect opportunity for following up.
  5. Speak up in class. Ask a question or volunteer to answer a question or make a comment. It becomes easier every time you do it.
  6. Never think that you’re asking a stupid question. If you don’t understand something, you have a right to ask for an explanation.
  7. When the instructor calls on you to answer a question, don’t bluff. If you know the answer, give it. If you’re not certain, begin with, “I think . . . , but I’m not sure if I have it all correct.” If you don’t know, just say so.
  8. If you have recently read a book or article that is relevant to the class topic, bring it in. Use it either to ask questions about the topic or to provide information that was not covered in class.