Have you ever been called or known as the “teacher’s pet” ?
Or accused of “brown nosing” the teacher ?
What about “kissing up“?
How about trying to “Suck up” or “Get In good” with your professor or teacher?
Don’t confuse these terms with someone who accurately participates in class for the purpose of improving their grades and understanding of the subject. There is a difference – one is after the favor of the teacher, and the other is after the content from the teacher.
Just recently while speaking at a high-school, I had a conversation with a student and he asked me the following question:
” Kantis, how can I better participate in class? For a percentage of our overall final class score is based on class participation. Yet I don’t really know what to say in class because I don’t want to seem stupid in front of my classmates. Plus, I’m very very shy. What can I do about this?”
As I began to have a few words with this young man in the lobby of the auditorium, I proceeded to let him know that active class participation is a great way to enhance what you are learning in the classroom through open discussion. It also gives your teacher a clear viewpoint that you are seriously trying to ace his or her class.
Here are the few things I recommended to the student for effective class participation and I recommend them to you as well.
- Come prepared to class – this is done by always being ahead of your teacher where class “reading” is concerned, completion of all home work problems or given assignments and the updating of all your class notes. Those three things will prepare you for every class session.
- Ask clear questions – if you are confused about anything, don’t hesitate to ask clear questions that help remove any mental blockage. This is also one of the best ways to learn; so ask questions.
- Verbally summarize what has been previously said – This will ensure that that you understand what someone else has said or what your teacher has said.
- Participate and don’t dominate – don’t be too active in class by having all the attention on your questions and comments. Know when to listen is just as important as knowing when to speak.
- Always respect your other classmates’ opinion. Don’t embarrass others by their comments or questions, but be open to what others have to say. You could learn a lot for others
- Be respectful and courteous – if you don’t want it done to you, don’t do it to others. This is the Golden Rule for class participation. Just be courteous!
I believe participating in class is another Academic Survival Skill that every student should develop.
So what examples do you have that are effective in participating in class? and did these open doors for you to be verbally labeled ? and what was the name?
Playing my “A” Game
-Kantis
Here is also a great recource to help you improve your grades and G.P.A.
