Class Discussion and Participation

Participation is often an important evaluative measure in a class. Many professors include class participation when calculating their final grades. When a student participates in class, he/she demonstrates to the professor the sincere desire to learn and understand the class material and conveys a positive overall impression.

Why it is important to contribute to class discussions:
  • It demonstrates that you are interested in learning the material, not just getting a grade.
  • It demonstrates that you are up-to-date on the assignments.
  • It allows the professor to get an impression of you as a person apart from your exams and papers.
  • It gives you the opportunity to express your opinions and ideas in a safe environment.
  • It will help you learn more by participating.
  • It will make the class more stimulating and challenging to all (including the professor).

How to positively contribute to class discussions:

  • Be prepared-this means complete the reading, homework, or other assignments before class (answering questions from the assignments gives the professor the impression that you value the class and work - quite the contrary when you do not know answers that are clearly answered in the assignments).
  • Be careful to avoid stereotyping groups and individuals.
  • Think about and relate concepts learned in class to your personal life and the "real world."
  • Articulate your perspective in an organized fashion - do not ramble.
  • Make comments relative to the readings/assignments/topics - do not go on tangents off the topic.
  • Be able to support your viewpoint with fact and/or research.
  • Be respectful of others' points of view.
  • Be open and honest.
  • Control your emotions and nerves (see the public speaking and anxiety topics).
  • Do not interrupt others or argue from an emotional standpoint.

Other faculty expectations of students:

  • Come for help if needed.
  • Intensive reading.
  • Preparation.
  • Email the professors with questions.
  • Be ready to discuss the materials or address a question.
  • Study with classmates - work together.
  • It is O.K. to ask questions when you are unclear of something.

 

Contrast the characteristics listed above to those of the most common negative behaviors that professors observe in their classes. Do you notice yourself in any of these?

Common negative academic behaviors

•  Being unprepared (not having read the material, cannot participate in class discussions).

•  Not handing in homework or assignments.

•  Poor note-taking skills.

•  Trying to hand in work late.

•  Failing to ask questions or seeking help.

•  Not taking responsibility to follow or understand the syllabus.

•  Not taking the course seriously.

Common negative social behaviors

•  Leaving class early without notifying the instructor of another commitment.

•  Inability to discuss material that runs counter to personal beliefs.

•  No contact with the professor.

•  Lack of respect of others' opinions.

•  General rudeness and lack of civility (inappropriate speech).

•  Inattentive.

•  Sleeping.

•  Eating.

•  Talking to others, not paying attention.

•  Missing class.

•  Use of cell phones.

 

Russell Conwell Center

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