This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org.
Part 3 of our Study Skills Series.
It’s a well-known fact that most people fear speaking in front of their peers more than they fear death. There is, then, a good chance that those same people would not want to speak up in college classrooms either. Although it may strike fear in many first-time students’ hearts, contributing to a class discussion is an important way to improve your learning experience. Students who let their voices be heard by asking and answering questions are more engaged in their education and learn more over time. Here is how to make sure that what you say in class is both meaningful and stress-free.
Be Prepared
You have heard the phrase “Be prepared” as part of training for worst-case scenarios. Those two words should also be part of your college routine. It will be hard to contribute meaningfully to a class discussion if you are not even sure what the day’s topic is. That means you will need to know what is being covered each time the class meets by reviewing your syllabus (that document that tells you what will be covered during the semester) and cracking open those books.
Action Step
Read all assigned material before you get to class and make notes as you read so that you can easily find important points and remember questions you had while reading. Write down a few questions that you could ask or comments you could make about the reading in case you are called upon.
Be Brave
If you are nervous about contributing to a class because you are intimidated by your peers or the professor, remember that what you have to say is as valuable as what anyone else has to say. Plus, your professor wants to hear what his or her students are thinking about the material—not to mention that your contributions make for a much more interesting class. Show your courage by raising your hand when you are ready to make a statement and by answering when called upon. There is no small comment or contribution, just as is there is no dumb observation or question. Keep in mind that, most likely, when you don’t understand something, some of your classmates don’t understand either—they’ll appreciate that you are smart enough to ask for more information.
Action Step
Compliment something that someone else has said or what you have read. Make a positive statement such as “I really liked the example that she [the author, a classmate, the professor] gave; it made so much sense to me.”
Be Curious
If you’re not sure what to say, you can always ask a question based on the lecture, the reading or something a fellow student has asked. Questions are a great way to ease into being a better contributor to class discussions. You may find that once your question is answered, you will feel more comfortable making future contributions.
Action Step
Ask at least one question per class meeting to ease you into contributing. Try questions such as “Do you think the author is right?” or “What do you consider to be the author’s strongest point?” to get started.
Be Respectful
Sometimes class discussions can get heated, especially if the topic is controversial or the class covers material that challenges students’ worldviews. You may also have professors who like to ask provocative questions to get students to think deeply. While it is great to be passionate about your ideas, you want to make sure that you don’t cross the line of disrespecting your classmates or your professor.
Action Step
Speak slowly and softly when expressing your opinion about a controversial subject, and be sure to listen to others’ opinions (no matter how much they differ from yours) without interruption.
Be Quiet
This may sound contradictory to everything I just said you should do, but there are times when you may want to let others speak. Even if you are enthusiastic about the topic or feel you have many good ideas to contribute, remember that others in the class may also feel shy about sharing. Give them a chance to build their confidence in contributing to class discussions as well. No one likes it when one person dominates the entire discussion.
Action Step
Keep your comments short and to the point to allow others to contribute. Limit yourself to just a few statements per class until you see that others are contributing as well.
Speaking up doesn’t have to make you feel like passing out! With a little preparation and practice, you will soon increase your confidence in and contribution to the classroom. Your classroom experience will be more beneficial, as well as more enjoyable for you and your classmates, when you let your voice be heard.
Part 2 of our Study Skills Series.