<p>So i am just starting college and I have to take this block thingy with subjects I frigging hate. I have to take Art History and American Government and Anthropology. So, when people are raising their hands actively in class, I am just sitting there like an idiot. But, they give 20% for participation so I had to put some effort.Today, I tried to participate and raised my hand. And, I didnt' really have anything to say. I said things that might not even make sense. Lol does it happen to you ?</p>
<p>It happened to me a lot in high school. In college I’ve found that I usually have something to contribute to the discussion and actually quite enjoy it. It’s probably the anonymity of a 27,000 undergrad uni… I just don’t give a damn about looking like a fool sometimes whereas my high school had 100 people to a grade :P</p>
<p>Honestly though? Just like in high school, the teacher/TA cares more about whether you’re engaged in the discussion, not whether you’re saying the right thing or not. Just raise your hand and say something relevant even if you think it’s wrong or doesn’t make sense. Or alternatively, just ask questions.</p>
<p>Its not hard or stupid. It shows that you put effort towards the discussion, and as long as its on topic, there is nothing wrong with it.</p>
<p>I also am sortof in the same boat as you, when it comes to discussions I’m not really sure what to say because I’m more used to math\science discussions where we just go over problems. I planned my schedule this semester to avoid classes without discussions as well 
You could always pose a question in the discussion and be the person who starts the conversation. What I sometimes did in my English discussions, I would agree\disagree with people and build off of their responses.</p>
<p>Exactly, I am overly active in my Calculus class but for others, not even participating,and english is my second language so it’s hard time trying to translate what I want to say and someone else already said it. This is second week of first semester and I am totally out of discussion.</p>
<p>For me it really depends on the class. I have no problems to participate in upper division math classes but general chem and physic bore me to death such that I don’t participate.</p>
<p>I almost never participate. When I absolutely have to, I usually say something somewhat thoughtful, though…while I may look like I’m not paying attention, I really am.</p>
<p>Sometimes, it’s so hard to participate because other students are thinking of the SAME ideas as you and they get to it before you. I usually think everything out before I contribute to the class discussion because I don’t want to seem like an idiot. I’m not big on participating, but I’ll do anything I can to get the most points.</p>
<p>I don’t agree with the white lie that no questions asked are stupid. Apathy sucks and so does being in a classroom with unengaged and unprepared students merely warming a seat. It would be nice if students actually read BEFORE coming to class like they are suppose to do, instead of twittering on their cell phones.</p>
<p>If you have something to say and adds to the discussion, then do it. Also, if there’s participation involved in the grading, then definitely speak… Don’t be shy or anything because really after class ends, no one gives a crap or will even remember or think twice about what was said in class lol… ever since I’ve been less self conscious about myself, I’ve been less shy and more outgoing (in general as a person).</p>
<p>I’m super shy, so I made a commitment that I would participate at least once a class session…but only in certain classes. I legitimately have nothing to say in my math and Biology classes. I’m fairly active in English Lit though.</p>
<p>One thing that I find useful in discussions is to phrase things as questions. For example “so, would you say that the Romans idolized power, while the Greeks idolized knowledge?” Even if you’re completely wrong, phrasing it as a question allows the professor to swing easily into an answe,r and you end up getting credit for whatever the professor says since you brought up the subject.</p>
<p>Or you could just state something that you were confused about in the readings. It helps facilitate discussion.</p>
<p>That also. Basically, participation points are not awarded for providing brilliant insights into the subject, they’re awarded for helping the professor not feel like he is talking to a brick wall.</p>