You walk into class the first day, and the instructor informs you that this is going to be a "participation" class. She's going to ask you your opinions on the readings and controversial issues, and expects you to contribute your thoughts. What's more, you're going to be graded on participation-- so you'd better think of something to say or your grade will suffer!
This might sound refreshing, especially if you're a college student who's accustomed to lecture hall classes where the professor drones on and on and never asks the students to contribute their input. Or if you go to a liberal arts college, mandatory class participation may be pretty typical. But to some students, speaking up is scary! And when you think about it, it's no wonder. High school and college teachers rarely take the time to teach you how to participate in productive, respectful way. They either ask you for your contributions, or they don't, but they rarely explain how to contribute.
So what's the right way to participate in class discussion? Here are some helpful tips:
- DO give it a try and speak. Like everything else in life, this may be scary at first, but once you do it enough, you'll feel more comfortable.
- DO be respectful of your fellow students at all times. Yes, you can openly disagree with what that last guy just said-- but never attack him personally!
- DO piggyback off of what other people say. Random comments don't keep the conversation going, but comments that relate to what other people have said do. Refer back to other comments explicitly by saying things like, "Well, this kind of relates to what Ashley said," or, "I agree with Roberto, and here's why..."
- DON'T overparticipate. If you've spoken a bunch of times already, let someone else have a turn. If you're not sure if you're overparticipating, get some feedback from the instructor.
- DO come to class prepared. If the instructor says, "We're going to discuss chapter 5 in class tomorrow, and I want to hear your opinions," then by all means, read chapter 5! If you don't, you're not going to get much out of the discussion--and you certainly won't impress anyone.
- DON'T interrupt. If appropriate, raise your hand.
- DON'T be afraid to express an unpopular opinion. You may be contributing to what's called the "spiral of silence." This means that when one person has an unpopular opinion, they keep quiet, and as a result, other people who share that opinion keep quiet too. In other words, if you speak up, you just might find that others agree with you. And even if they don't, so what? Your instructor has an ethical obligation to make sure all opinions are addressed respectfully.
- DON'T be bullied. If someone is rude and attacks you personally, gently say something like, "I'd appreciate it if you'd address my opinions respectfully." Hopefully the instructor will intervene, but if this doesn't happen, talk to the instructor outside of class about the problem.
- DO think of this at a learning experience. There will be other times in your life where you need to speak up--a brainstorming session at your job, a city council meeting, a PTA meeting, and so forth. Get into the habit now and you'll be more comfortable with participation later.
- DO think of yourself as a member of a community with a responsibility to everyone. When class participation is strong, students enjoy coming to class and learn more--but that's not going to happen unless everybody does their part. If you stay silent, you're not living up to your responsibility-- and the instructor will notice this.
- DO talk to the instructor if you're very uncomfortable about participating, for whatever reason. The instructor will appreciate this and will probably help you become more comfortable with class participation.
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