<p>I am taking a small, required course that is based 20% on discussion. So far in college I have avoided discussion sections or took classes that have them but don't really mean much regarding my final grade. I want a 4.0 this semester, but this class could kill me since I am more of the introverted type. The syllabus says that an A in the course requires "exceptional engagement and original ideas." Is everyone else in the class just as concerned about having to speak up if they want an A as I am?</p>
<p>They are if they’re shy/as introverted as you. For extroverts, it’s not an issue. They just behave the way they always do. </p>
<p>I’m in a class like that this semester and I can already tell it’s going to kill my gpa. Not only am I not an outgoing person, there are a few extroverts who go so far as to interrupt the professor so they can answer questions! I hope she keeps in mind that many of us are not getting the opportunity to speak without being rude when she’s grading.</p>
<p>I’m introverted around people I don’t know, but I still take part in discussions… I just see it as a sort of strategy game. If I have a thing or two to say that’s relevant and no one else has said, I wait till there’s a good pause in the flow, and end up piping up at least once or twice per discussion section. You don’t have to say anything groundbreaking and you certainly don’t have to be that kid who talks for half the class. All you have to do is slip in something kind of interesting and then relax.</p>
<p>GROWTH OPPORTUNITY! Learning to voice your ideas is as valuable as a 4.0 GPA and more so, since after college, you need to be able to share ideas and promote yourself in job interviews and in your actual job as part of a team. (not to mention your social life) Thinking and being able to express your thoughts and ideas to others is one of the most important things you could learn, IMHO… (especially for introverts) People are not mind readers and you have valuable knowledge and ideas to contribute to the world.</p>
<p>This is the same for me. I took a class exactly as you described but surprisingly it was a mediocre paper that led to A-, not the discussion. I just made sure to speak up at least once in the 50 minutes, which isn’t easy, but it helps a lot if you really prepare and basically figure out 2-3 things you could say. Then just speak up when one of them fits with the current topic. I get so nervous that i forget what i’m saying mid sentence, so i typed a few things out just in case. The time investment in preparing itself puts pressure on me to speak up, cause otherwise it’s wasted, so i find that helpful.</p>
<p>I think what helped is i wouldn’t get to know the ppl in class or even look at them really. I just think of it as if i say something dumb i won’t have to see them again for a whole week (or longer) and it doesn’t matter anyway. In 100 years who’s gonna care? That’s not to say i don’t learn from them, but yeah 20% of your grade is too important to let fear of speaking take you down or prevent you from taking a class you really want. </p>
<p>As it turned out, i’ve done as well as anyone and that’s still working so far this term. The job interview i think really isn’t comparable since i do pretty well in private conversation. Just blurting things out in front of 25-30 is another matter though.</p>
<p>I used to be introverted in high school so I know where you’re coming from. Ask yourself this: if you think you have good enough of a mind to deserve an A, why don’t you want to share the products of your brilliant mind in class?</p>