Class Participation

Posted by Naomi Rockler-Gladen Sep 5, 2007

Class participation-- is that a part of your education that you enjoy. or something that you dread? Many college students welcome class participation as a welcome change from lectures and an opportunity to express their thoughts But others feel nervous about having to voice their opinions openly in front of their peers and professor.

Need some tips on how to participate actively and productively? Here's an article with some information that may help you:

How to Participate in Class Discussions

If you have the opportunity to participate in class, take advantage of this! When I was a professor, I strongly encouraged class participation because I felt it enhanced the learning experience of students immensely. Here are some reasons why you should get your voice hear in class:

1. Do you really want to hear the professor lecture all the time? Discussions are a welcome alternative.
2. You'll get to know your fellow students better, and your professor.
3. Class participation means your more than just a number on a crowded campus. Your professor and your classmates will remember your name and your contributions.
4. You need to learn how to speak up! You'll need to speak up later in life--at work, in your community, and so forth. The classroom is as safe an opportunity as you're going to get to practice speaking out.
5. Students learn from each other's experience, not just from what the teacher has to say.
6. A good discussion will help you retain the material and grasp concepts better.
7. Class participation forces students to be active participants in their education. And don't you want that? You're not there to have someone insert ideas into your head. You're there to think and ponder and learn.