Advice: How to improve participation in class?
Hey everyone,
Hope everything is going well! ✌️
Just wanted to hop on here and ask if anyone has any advice on how to increase and improve their quality of participation in class?
Personally, all of my classes this semester require a participation grade. It can be quite daunting, especially when those hands start flying up and everyone is competing to be the one to talk.
My best advice is usually to:
1. Prepare thoroughly before class: write down your answers to the questions and verbally recite them in a conversational manner so it's easier to recall.
2. Sit at the front of the class: people are inclined to look at you when you talk, but less likely to sit at the front. This way you can't directly face them which may ease the experience.
I'm sure that more and more experience will make me feel more comfortable - but let me know if anyone has anything else to add!
Cheers :))
Comments
@formulafrenzy you're a lifesaver! Thankyou for this post.
I'm pretty sure I have no participation grades this semester (*sighs in contentment*), which does take the pressure off! However! I'm aware that I have a couple group projects, so am definitely looking to improve my engagement/in class social skills. I'm also starting my honours degree this year and none of my uni friends from my bachelor's continued on, so i don't really know anyone in my course.
I'm sorry to say that I have nothing valuable to add here, but i'll certainly be checking back in to read up on everyone's advice 💜
Hey @formulafrenzy
I totally get how intimidating it can be when everyone’s trying to speak up in class. But honestly, it gets easier once you get the ball rolling! Here are a few ideas that might help:
Start small: You don’t have to jump in with some big, profound answer. Just throw out a quick comment or agree with someone else’s point. It’ll feel way less stressful.
Non-verbal cues: If you’re not super comfortable with speaking up just yet, try making eye contact with the professor or raising your hand. Sometimes that’s enough to get the ball rolling without having to actually say much right away.
Listen actively: Pay attention to what’s being said so you can build on it or add your thoughts. It’s way less pressure when you’re not trying to come up with something completely new.
Have some notes: Write down a few key points before class so you can refer to them if you want to speak up. Helps take the edge off when you know exactly what you want to say.And honestly, don’t stress about being perfect! Participation is about engaging, not giving a perfect answer. The more you do it, the easier it’ll feel.😊
Hey @Scarlet_Locust
Amazing to hear - I wanted this post to be as reachable as possible. Any contribution is encouraged, of course :))
Major congratulations are in order for your honours degree! That's no joke!
Hopefully you can adapt from these responses to meet some cool, likeminded people in your course and develop that connection.
Always welcome to hear how you have used this advice in real life and good luck with your group projects ❤️
hey @formulafrenzy
I totally understand how you’re feeling—participation grades can definitely be overwhelming, especially when there’s a lot of discussion happening at once. I think your advice is really awesome! Preparing ahead of time and sitting at the front are both great strategies.
One thing I’ve found personally helpful is trying focusing on the quality of what I say rather than worrying about how often I speak. Sometimes, waiting for the right moment to contribute your thoughts can help ease the pressure, and valuable contributions can really make you stand out. I prepare my responses or questions by actively listening to the lecturer and my peers, as well as using non verbal cues such as eye contact and nodding to show that I am engaged. Also, remember that everyone’s in the same boat—your classmates are probably just as nervous as you are!
It definitely gets easier with practice, so just keep going! You’re doing great! 💛
Hi @formulafrenzy,
Thanks for making this post. I think it's super relevant. I myself struggle at times to contribute to class discussions.
I think the advice you provided is awesome. Around preparing, I've also found in the past that being on top of the lectures and readings can make me feel more comfortable in the classroom. Also, will be trying out the tip of sitting at the front of the class. 😊
I also want to acknowledge the tip offered by @Calming_Waves around making notes and seeking clarification from your tutor during class, or even afterwards via email. This way you can make sure you approach each discussion with clearer understanding.
In terms of something that's worked well for me in the past is the mindset that each perspective is valuable and the classroom is a collaborative learning environment. That way, if I get the answer wrong I see it as an opportunity to learn as I'm only human and can only do my best!
I wish everyone the best on their journeys at school/university this year! 💛
Hi @formulafrenzy,
Participating in class can really be quite daunting! It always makes me groan whenever I see that participation is graded and I’m a really shy person and I struggle with expressing myself in class. I agree with your tips, especially with preparing thoroughly before class. Do your readings, watch the lectures, do the activities—all of these will be helpful in being able to participate more in class because oftentimes you won’t have much time to get through the whole content. Participating is so much easier when you’re prepared and know that you understand the topic.
I also agree with @Green_Cormorant's tips! It’s really helpful to discuss with your classmates first if you feel unsure of your answers. This way you’ll see if your ideas are making sense and your classmates will be able to add to them as well.
I think one thing I would also suggest is to take note of the things that confused you or want to know more about and ask for clarifications in class. It shows that you’ve engaged with the materials beforehand and are keen to learn about it more.
In any case, I wish you all the best in your studies! Go get those participation grades!
Hiii @Calming_Waves
Your perspective is super refreshing and realistic - thanks for acknowledging that we don't always have the time to memorise and familiarise ourselves with the content beforehand.
I'll definitely highlight your point on peer collaboration and clarifying any material. Really shows how 'participation' can actually mean more than traditionally answering questions.
Thank you very much :))
