There are some very significant reasons to actively participate both in class and at school. While getting extra marks for participation in some classes may be reason enough to raise your hand, ask a question or offer a comment, being an active contributor brings multiple benefits: from getting references, meeting new people, making academic work a little easier, earning some extra money and having a better and more transforming post-secondary experience.
Why participate
When you participate in class, other students begin to recognize you, as does your professor. Other students may find it easier to approach you and your professor knows you are paying attention.
This may translate into a more satisfying school experience and if and when you need a reference, the professor will likely be more inclined to help you. In addition, other students may be more willing to assist you when you need help or when you have had to miss a class.
Participating is also a good study strategy as it keeps you alert and increases the chances you will recall important information. Being prepared to participate allows you to review what you know and what you still need to learn. Take notes on what puzzles you and bring them to class. Attending class and being ready to contribute ensures you are actively engaged with the material.
Participation helps you be fully engaged in your educational experience. You want no regrets 20 years on that you didn’t know anyone and no one knew you. Make your educational experience count and reap the concrete and personal benefits.
Where to begin
It could start with orientation, when everyone has questions. As long as you don’t take over or are impatient for answers to obvious questions that will soon be answered, your questions may be appreciated by others.
In class, the professor may ask a question and look to the students for answers. This is less common in larger classes; in this case, you may want to participate in tutorials. You may have a question of your own. When you are working on an assignment or a paper, the professor or teaching assistant may expect and welcome reviewing this with you during scheduled office hours.
There are other ways to participate in your school, such as clubs, events, and paid and volunteer work. Working with the student government provides opportunities to develop skills useful in a future line of work from finance to marketing, and from writing to committee work.
Visit student services, the career centre, the library and student-led organizations to find opportunities. There are openings throughout the year, so check back often until you find something. Only one person becomes class president and if this is not you, there are many other ways to reap the benefit of being connected to your school, its students and professors.
Look for openings to work on campus (and if you are an international student, check if you are eligible to do so). By working on campus, you have the opportunity to expand your social and professional networks, be more engaged in your campus community and learn through work experience in an academic setting.
How to manage reluctance
What stops you from participating in class? Not participating can become a bad habit. You may see yourself as shy or just not the kind of person who raises their hand or joins clubs. You may have to have a serious conversation with yourself to manage your shyness.
Like most things, the more you do it, the better you get at it.
Start by breaking your non-participation record and follow it up with another attempt, no matter what the outcome. Whatever you find easiest to break your habit, a short answer, a question, a conversation with the professor after class.
The results of your initial efforts may not be brilliant but the trend is positive. Be prepared for a little embarrassment and it won’t be worse than that.
Afraid it is a silly question? Then check around to see if other students also have that question. If you think you won’t word it correctly, write it down first. If you need help around managing your anxiety in these situations, see a counsellor at your school.
If you decide you are too busy with work, studies or family to take on anything else, look for opportunities that require minimal time. For instance, a departmental task that is scheduled only once or twice, such as collecting evaluations from classmates, will at least get the students’ and the professors’ attention. You are already spending the time by attending class; make the most of it by staying alert, engaged and active.
Participation is a way of optimizing the opportunities a post-secondary school offers. Yes, it can help you increase your grades, grow your network, and earn money to help with school expenses, but it also allows you to develop personally, professionally and intellectually.
Geneviève Beaupré and Susan Qadeer have extensive experience working in university and college settings, providing career, academic and personal counselling to international and immigrant students. They write the Higher Learning column for Canadian Immigrant.
