I hate In-Class Discussions...

Student Lounge College Life
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<p>I'm in AP english, i hate having the need to always force myself speak in front of the class, especially during in-class discussion time. But i'm not a quiet person, i like talking to people and small groups, but when it comes to speaking in front larger groups or whole class, i hate it. Is that what college mostly like? Maybe just in smaller colleges?</p>

<p>****I heard that large college classes are most likely to be held in a lecture format, with a professor or teaching assistant (often referred to as a “TA”) speaking while students take notes and occasionally ask questions (I really love that type of learning much better). Small college classes are more likely to follow a discussion format, where students are given a platform to express and share ideas with one another.</p>

<p>Large college classes can be especially advantageous for shy or withdrawn students who would prefer that class participation not be taken into consideration for grades, as it often is in smaller classes.</p>

<p>Small college classes, on the other hand, offer plenty of opportunities for class discussion, which is ideal for students eager to interact with their classmates and professors.</p>

<p>I got my info here: is it true??
(College</a> Classes: What is the "Ideal" Size?)</p>

<p>I mean, i engage and listen in class discussions, and just talk once and awhile, but i feel everyone in my class knows so much more than me and i don't wanna say something stupid, so i just let other people talk and argue, and learn from there.</p>

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<p>I love to have class discussions. I’m always one of the main talkers in my classes, which isn’t really something to brag about, but it makes class more fun. It helps if you really keep up on the homework and do a lot of your research before class. Have questions and arguments on the readings ready before you walk into class, that way you don’t have to just think on your feet. </p>

<p>But your information is right - in college you can get away with the bulk of your classes being large lecture style. Of course that depends on the college you go to. At a large, public university that’s really easy. At a small, private college, class sizes are going to be a lot smaller. In lecture classes there can be up to 200 students, so no one knows if you’re there or not and there’s no need to participate. I love at least having a few lecture classes in my schedule…because they’re easy and I can miss a few without any repercussions.</p>

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<p>It is common for large lecture-based classes to have “discussion” or “recitation” sections. Typically, you would have the large class 2-3 times a week, and the recitation section once a week (schools may differ on this, however). The large class could be taught by a professor with advanced degrees, or it could be taught by a grad student. The discussion sections can be led by the professor, a grad student TA, or even an advanced undergrad.</p>

<p>So much for the facts - now for my advice:</p>

<p>(1) Get used to talking in front of large groups of people. It’s a useful skill. You may never like it, but you should do it.</p>

<p>(2) Lots of profs use “class participation” in their grading scheme. In reality, it allows the prof a little “wiggle room” to adjust grades based on factors other than raw scores on homework and exams. In my experience, you can get CP points without actually speaking up in class (although you should do that too!). For example, if you meet with the prof occasionally during her office hours, e-mail her a question or two, participate in online discussion activities, etc. You just need to demonstrate your interest in the class.</p>

<p>(3) You learn MUCH more when YOU speak up. Who cares if you say something stupid? Everyone does! (Say something stupid, that is).</p>

<p>(4) Lots of people have the same internal monologue that you do (“I’m not as smart as they are, I don’t have anything interesting to say, I’m afraid of looking dumb”, etc). Don’t let that control your performance as a student. You need to overcome those thoughts! They’ll hold you back, otherwise.</p>

<p>(5) Finally, I know profs (I was one of them) who actually FORCED my students to contribute. We had “two cents” days, where everyone had to put in his or her two cents at least once. Even if you thought your question was stupid, you had to ask it. Lots of students discovered that it wasn’t too hard to speak up in class, and as a result participation went up even on days when I didn’t require everyone to speak. The point is - it isn’t as hard as you think it is. Just do it!</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

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<p>I attend a small LAC and used to be very similar to you in this aspect. High school is a completely different atmosphere: everyone is trying to one-up each other and appear as the “smart kid” in the class.</p>

<p>What I’ve experienced in college is that everyone (at least at my school) is merely eager to learn rather than spout what they believe to be extremely intellectual ideas and interpretations, so listening and adding your own input are of equal importance for both you and your peers. I don’t constantly talk or try to debate interpretations, but I do chime in when I feel I have something to add.</p>

<p>I’m sure you’re just as smart as your classmates, so don’t feel as though they will find you to be an ignoramus if you contribute to the conversation. Students are just that: students. We are all here to learn and are nowhere near knowing all there is to know about any subject.</p>

<p>As others have said, we receive a grade for discussion since it is part of the class. I knew next to nothing about classics going in, but I learned that speaking up and asking questions, or adding your own ideas to the discussion at hand, is very beneficial and I have gotten a lot out of the discussion groups. There is also a lecture portion to this class which is great, but we go into much more depth and explore many underlying themes in conference that is not always mentioned in lecture.</p>

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<p>I would agree with this. I go to a university where the classes are generally large. The professors are always open to answering question but of course you aren’t obligated to discuss anything. We usually also have a 50 minute section every week where you’re in a smaller class with a TA and they help you out with problems. There too you’re not generally required to talk in front of the class if you don’t want to, but it varies. All of that being said, it’s definitely to you advantage to ask questions. It’s better to say something stupid and learn the correct answer than continue to be wrong. Also, in college, everybody won’t know who you are, so don’t worry if they think you’re dumb or anything. It doesn’t matter what they think.</p>

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<p>It’s important to be aware that many colleges require an Intro to Communications or Public Speaking class which includes standing up and giving a few speeches/presentations in front of the class.</p>

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<p>A lot of upper level history, poly-sci, international relations & english classes (etc) require a lot of discussion (even gigantic state universities like mine), so if you don’t like in-class discussions, I’d stay away from these majors.</p>