What kind of class participation did/do you make?
By EnslinPorter
@EnslinPorter (1718)
Philippines
August 15, 2008 8:32am CST
In class, there's always class recitation. There are some students who are so enthusiastic that seems to have all the energy to raise their hands and participate in class to every question on every subject. There are also those who just sat and seemed like they didn't give a care about what's happening, and there were some who seldom raises their hand so everybody is stunned to actually hear that person speak and would lend all ears for him/her.
It was quite different for me. I used to recite a lot when I was in grade school. Of course, most children would love to participate. My mom even told me to raise my hands even if I don't know the answer.:P But as I grew up, I thought that it was quite tiring to recite, most especially during the times when the teacher just asks the students to read something from the board. It doesn't instigate thinking or reasoning unless you are asked to answer a question about it afterwards. Starting with high school, that thought already sinked in unconsciously. Then, I started reciting only when the question is challenging enough, or only when I know the answer, or that no one else has the answer. Hahaha, I think it was one way to show off that you're smart. Then, if I'm not sure about my answer and it turns out to be what the teacher is looking for, I'm tingling all over and feels dismay that I wasn't able to have the guts to shout it out.
So how about you? What kind of class participation do or did you make? Are you the energetic type, the silent "speak seldom" type, or the show off type? :P
2 people like this
7 responses
@highlyclever (1111)
• United States
15 Aug 08
You could probably guess... I am the kind of type that would jump right in and offer an answer - for better or worse - especially on those subjects that interested me. And then there were the classes where the teacher was a highly respected individual, where I wanted to say something that would impress the teacher...
Actually, there was a book that I read as a child where there was a part of the plot that followed those lines. A student went to art school, where there was a teacher who was particularly notorious for being critical of his students' work. No matter what a student brought in, the teacher always found something to critique. The main character made it his goal to bring something in for which the teacher would have absolutely nothing to say. I remember reading about how the teacher stood, stared at the art piece for a long, long time without any words. I have always held that ideal in mind, ever since I read the book (I no longer remember the title...) for myself.
Interesting discussion thread! 
1 person likes this
@SViswan (12051)
• India
16 Aug 08
Till high school, I was the energetic type and would raise my hands for EVERYTHING....and I followed your mother's advice..lol Raised my hands even when I didn't know about it (sometimes).
But in high school, I moved to India...and I felt like a dunce in class and would never raise my hand. But in college, I would raise my hands for the challenging questions.
I see my older son has taken after me....and he is an energetic type of child in all activities of the school and not just the class.
@Jenaisle (14078)
• Philippines
16 Aug 08
Allow others to answer and when no one knows the answer, will raise my hand to help the teacher out and not to show off. The motivation to help should inspire you to voice out what you have in mind. Helping others out will also help you eventually. It will always come back to you. Keep answering in class. I'm sure your teacher has taken notice of it. Cheers.
@agent_alice (448)
• Philippines
15 Aug 08
I don't participate in recitation. When the teacher asks a question, I would rather look at my desk, and won't meet our teachers eyes. I am afraid that she might call my name. I am shy that If I will recite and give a wrong answer my classmate will laugh at me. One time my teacher called my name, so I have to speak up. I answered in a very low voice, the teacher keeps on telling me to say it louder. Because of my nervousness I answered in a big voice but it was trembling. My classmates laugh at me. I also saw my teacher smiling. She told me not to be frightened. I feel like crying.
@shreya2436 (145)
• India
16 Aug 08
Hi porter, i do not speak much in the class but at the same time i should tell you that sometimes i actively participate in the class discussions. I do not show off myself. I think one should have a balanced approach
@horacehijo1 (7)
• United States
15 Aug 08
I think that by participating in the classroom environment, you learn much more. It has been argued that you don't have to speak to participate. I do not agree with that comment at all. If you don't say something that you are thinking or ask a question that confuses you then you really lose out. Others probably won't know what you are thinking about. Plus they might have the same question! I think that maybe sometimes we are scared to let others see what we are really thinking about, especially in a public setting so sometimes we don't say what we really feel. But in general, if everyone participated, the classroom would be much more dynamic.
@harichandan (248)
• India
15 Aug 08
I was also did the same thing like you. In my school days I prefer to speak uto the 7 th grade . I always raise my hands to speak but when I entered into the higher classes I feel shy and did not tell even I know the answer sometimes. I just feel a don't care attitude towards the class..
