<p>I know I have posted a few threads already in this forum, but I can't resist! You guys seem to be so experienced and insightful than most of the forum (no offense to others) probably just because you are parents, though I will post this thread in the high school forum to get a different perspective maybe. </p>
<p>My question is about class participation. I notice among the threads about teacher recommendations people are weary about asking a teacher because they are "not a big talker" in their class.</p>
<p>I tend to talk.. though I find myself at some dilemmas sometimes. I don't want to sound cocky or anything, but in a few classes my knowledge of the topic is a bit more advanced... so I am usually hesitant to ask a question I might have, or make a comment, with a fear of seeming to try to "show off"... or I don't wnat to annoy the teacher by asking a tangential question, or a complicated question... and sometimes if I have a different point than the teacher, I usually am hesitant because I don't want to annoy him. </p>
<p>Or there are times when the teacher asks questions, and I am the only one that knows the answer... and I find that I'm not sure if I should answer or not, because I don't want to seem.. well, not sure how to describe it. :P</p>
<p>I could probably be a bit more detailed later but I hope you guys understand what I'm talking about... what should I make of it?</p>
<p>This is what I have realized in the past few years: Teachers value engaged students who actively participate in class and seem to have a good grasp of the material. I think that most don't care if you get those last few points on the test....they'd rather see you enjoy the class than get a 100 in silence.</p>
<p>I speak from experience. I have gone to open houses, where the teacher raves about my son, says she loves him, he's doing fantastic, etc. etc. etc., when he has an 86 in the class...he loves to participate. I've seen the same teacher talking to the parent of a child who has a 99 in the class and never says a word. The teacher says, "I'm very worried about your daughter. She doesn't seem to be enjoying the class."</p>
<p>I would think that that teacher would give my son a great rec and give the girl with the 99 a very tepid rec.</p>
<p>As a high school teacher I would say it is important to strike a balance. I love the thoughtful questions and comments during class discussion. Even the occaisional tangent is OK provided it doesn't become a situation where the teacher and the student are having a discussion and pretty much turning the other students into an audience. I too hate the silence and am always appreciative of the student who answers my "What do you think?" type questions thoughtfully and brings something to the table.</p>
<p>It all comes down the intent and sensetivity of the student. We are all irritated by the bored know-it-all who makes negative comments and tries to sideline us with esoteric arguments but it doesn't sound like that is what you are describing. If you know the answer and the others in the room do not it's perfectly OK and sometimes our salvation for you to raise your hand but don't be surprised or take it the wrong way if the teacher sometimes asks if someone else has an answer as well. We don't want the other students to rely only on one student to answer all of our questions...it lets the others off the hook and they need to be accountable too.</p>
<p>The comment I have heard about Junior and Senior year is that you should allow your teachers the chance to get to know you. You can do this in other ways besides in-class discussion. Coming in before school or staying after or getting involved in a club she/he advises ar both good ways to achieve this as is allowing your intelligence, personality and knowledge shine in your writing.</p>
<p>Remember your brain is only part of the picture. I can write glowing recommendations for a "B" student with a great attitude, a strong work ethic and a demonstrated commitment to her community. It's far harder to write one for an "A" student who only showed me how smart she is.</p>
<p>This sounds like a situation where you could build up a great relationship with your teachers (if they seem receptive) by going in before or after school, or during mutual free blocks, and asking those complicated and tangential questions. Many high school teachers would be ecstatic to find that someone is actually engaged in the material and wants to take it to a higher level. Participating in class isn't the only way to show a teacher that you are an inquisitive and enthusiastic learner.</p>
<p>I understand where you are coming from but would not worry about it. You seem to have struck a good balance between participating in class but not dominating the discussion.</p>
<p>I'm a high school student, not a parent. Hope you parents don't mind me posting here, I just couldn't resist posting. I've been in the exact situation as you before. I dealt with it by answering a few questions every class and letting others answer most of the questions. As long as you do not act cocky during class while answering questions,etc., most students won't mind. And in most cases, if a student does become "too involved", the teacher will start to call on other people. So don't worry about your situation. Just act naturally.</p>