Ways to Participate in Class
Tips for Earning Participation Points in College Classes
Many college instructors devote a percentage of their students' overall term grade to class participation. Although this percentage is relatively small, earning the maximum number of participation points can help students earn good grades in their classes.
One of the most obvious ways a student can participate in class is to answer a question or to provide information requested by the instructor. In addition to this, there are several other ways a student can participate in class. The following tips describe other ways to participate in class.
Ask a Question
If a student is unable to answer a question in class, then he or she can ask the instructor a question. Asking a question will not only help to clarify the information but also help in showing the instructor that the student is actively participating in the class.
Students can ask questions about lectures, assigned books, assignment sheets, class activities, etc. Students can also ask questions about their own work, such as asking the instructor for advice on how to revise a paragraph that they have written.
Comment on the Reading, Activity, or Homework
Another way a student can participate in class is to comment on a particular aspect of the course. He or she can comment on the assigned reading, class activity, or homework assignment.
For example, a student can comment on a piece of information from the assigned reading by relating it to a lecture the instructor had previously delivered. Commenting on the reading and its relation to a past class will show the instructor that the student is actively participating in class. This also informs the instructor that the student has read the assignment.
Relate the Material to Another Concept Outside of the Classroom
In an effort to participate in class, students can relate the material covered in their courses to other concepts, such as topics outside of the classroom. For example, a student can relate an idea in the assigned reading to a story in the news or an idea presented in a different field.
Also, for example, a student can relate the subject of a lecture to a current event in the news. Relating the material to another concept outside of the classroom will show the instructor that the student is actively participating in the class, as well as thinking about the material outside of the classroom.
Bring an Article to Class that Relates to the Classroom Material
Students can participate in their classes by sharing outside articles that relate to the material covered in the classroom. For example, a student can bring to class a magazine or newspaper article that relates to the assigned reading.
In addition to articles, a student can also tell his or her instructor and classmates about a website that relates to the course, such as one that provides additional information on the subject of the classroom material. Relating the classroom material to an outside source will show the instructor that the student is actively participating in the class and learning the subject.
Overall, there are several ways college students can earn participation points in their classes. In addition to answering questions, students can also participate in their college classes by asking their own questions, commenting on some aspect of the course, relating the classroom material to an outside concept, and by sharing related outside sources with their instructors and classmates.
Comment on the Reading to Participate in Class
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Education & Career
Latest Articles