{"id":102,"date":"2014-08-25T03:19:35","date_gmt":"2014-08-25T03:19:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/collegesuccess1x1\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=102"},"modified":"2015-05-05T19:35:19","modified_gmt":"2015-05-05T19:35:19","slug":"7-2-participating-in-class","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/fullcoll-freshmanexperience\/chapter\/7-2-participating-in-class\/","title":{"raw":"Participating in Class","rendered":"Participating in Class"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"im_section\">\r\n<div id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_n01\" class=\"im_learning_objectives im_editable im_block\">\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\"><\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">\r\n<h3>LEARNING OBJECTIVES<\/h3>\r\nBy the end of this section, you will be able to:\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>Understand how to set yourself up for successful participation in class.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>List guidelines for effectively asking and answering questions in class.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Describe how to interact successfully with an instructor in a large lecture class.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Explain strategies for effective learning if your learning style is different from your instructor\u2019s teaching style.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<\/div>\r\nWe\u2019ve already discussed the many benefits of participating in class as a form of actively engaging in learning. Not everyone naturally feels comfortable participating. Following some general guidelines makes it easier.\r\n<div id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_s01\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Guidelines for Participating in Classes<\/h2>\r\nSmaller classes generally favor discussion, but often instructors in large lecture classes also make some room for participation.\r\n\r\nA concern or fear about speaking in public is one of the most common fears. If you feel afraid to speak out in class, take comfort from the fact that many others do as well\u2014and that anyone can learn how to speak in class without much difficulty. Class participation is actually an impromptu, informal type of public speaking, and the same principles will get you through both: preparing and communicating.\r\n<ul id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_s01_l01\" class=\"im_itemizedlist im_editable im_block\">\r\n\t<li>Set yourself up for success by coming to class fully prepared. Complete reading assignments. Review your notes on the reading and previous class to get yourself in the right mind-set. If there is something you don\u2019t understand well, start formulating your question now.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Sit in the front with a good view of the instructor, board or screen, and other visual aids. In a lecture hall, this will help you hear better, pay better attention, and make a good impression on the instructor. Don\u2019t sit with friends\u2014socializing isn\u2019t what you\u2019re there for.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/466\/2015\/04\/21065311\/sketch.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-777\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/466\/2015\/04\/21065311\/sketch-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Line drawing of people raising hands in audience\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><\/a>Remember that your body language communicates as much as anything you say. Sit up and look alert, with a pleasant expression on your face, and make good eye contact with the instructor. Show some enthusiasm.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Pay attention to the instructor\u2019s <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">body language<\/span><\/span>, which can communicate much more than just his or her words. How the instructor moves and gestures, and the looks on his or her face, will add meaning to the words\u2014and will also cue you when it\u2019s a good time to ask a question or stay silent.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Take good notes, but don\u2019t write obsessively\u2014and never page through your textbook (or browse on a laptop). Don\u2019t eat or play with your cell phone. Except when writing brief notes, keep your eyes on the instructor.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Follow class protocol for making comments and asking questions. In a small class, the instructor may encourage students to ask questions at any time, while in some large lecture classes the instructor may ask for questions at the end of the lecture. In this case, jot your questions in your notes so that you don\u2019t forget them later.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Don\u2019t say or ask anything just to try to impress your instructor. Most instructors have been teaching long enough to immediately recognize insincere flattery\u2014and the impression this makes is just the opposite of what you want.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Pay attention to the instructor\u2019s thinking style. Does this instructor emphasize theory more than facts, wide perspectives over specific ideas, abstractions more than concrete experience? Take a cue from your instructor\u2019s approach and try to think in similar terms when participating in class.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>It\u2019s fine to disagree with your instructor when you ask or answer a question. Many instructors invite challenges. Before speaking up, however, be sure you can explain why you disagree and give supporting evidence or reasons. Be respectful.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Pay attention to your communication style. Use <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">standard English<\/span><\/span> when you ask or answer a question, not slang. Avoid sarcasm and joking around. Be assertive when you participate in class, showing confidence in your ideas while being respectful of the ideas of others. But avoid an aggressive style that attacks the ideas of others or is strongly emotional.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>When your instructor asks a question to the class:\r\n<ul id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_s01_l02\" class=\"im_itemizedlist\">\r\n\t<li>Raise your hand and make eye contact, but don\u2019t call out or wave your hand all around trying to catch his or her attention.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Before speaking, take a moment to gather your thoughts and take a deep breath. Don\u2019t just blurt it out\u2014speak calmly and clearly.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li>When your instructor asks you a question directly:\r\n<ul id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_s01_l03\" class=\"im_itemizedlist\">\r\n\t<li>Be honest and admit it if you don\u2019t know the answer or are not sure. Don\u2019t try to fake it or make excuses. With a question that involves a reasoned opinion more than a fact, it\u2019s fine to explain why you haven\u2019t decided yet, such as when weighing two opposing ideas or actions; your comment may stimulate further discussion.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Organize your thoughts to give a sufficient answer. Instructors seldom want a yes or no answer. Give your answer and provide reasons or evidence in support.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li>When you want to ask the instructor a question:\r\n<ul id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_s01_l04\" class=\"im_itemizedlist\">\r\n\t<li>Don\u2019t ever feel a question is \u201cstupid.\u201d If you have been paying attention in class and have done the reading and you still don\u2019t understand something, you have every right to ask.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Ask at the appropriate time. Don\u2019t interrupt the instructor or jump ahead and ask a question about something the instructor may be starting to explain. Wait for a natural pause and a good moment to ask. On the other hand, unless the instructor asks students to hold all question until the end of class, don\u2019t let too much time go by, or you may forget the question or its relevance to the topic.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Don\u2019t ask just because you weren\u2019t paying attention. If you drift off during the first half of class and then realize in the second half that you don\u2019t really understand what the instructor is talking about now, don\u2019t ask a question about something that was already covered.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Don\u2019t ask a question that is really a complaint. You may be thinking, \u201cWhy would so-and-so believe that? That\u2019s just crazy!\u201d Take a moment to think about what you might gain from asking the question. It\u2019s better to say, \u201cI\u2019m having some difficulty understanding what so-and-so is saying here. What evidence did he use to argue for that position?\u201d<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Avoid dominating a discussion. It may be appropriate in some cases to make a follow-up comment after the instructor answers your question, but don\u2019t try to turn the class into a one-on-one conversation between you and the instructor.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<div id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_s01_s01\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Lecture Hall Classes<\/h2>\r\nWhile opportunities are fewer for student discussions in large lecture classes, participation is still important. The instructor almost always provides an opportunity to ask questions. Because time is limited, be ready with your question or comment when the opportunity arises\u2014and don\u2019t be shy about raising your hand first.\r\n\r\nBeing prepared is especially important in lecture classes. Have assigned readings done before class and review your notes. If you have a genuine question about something in the reading, ask about it. Jot down the question in your notes and be ready to ask if the lecture doesn\u2019t clear it up for you.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/466\/2015\/04\/21065313\/lecture-hall.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-778\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/466\/2015\/04\/21065313\/lecture-hall-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Lecture hall full of students talking\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" \/><\/a>Being prepared before asking a question also includes listening carefully to the lecture. You don\u2019t want to ask a question whose answer was already given by the instructor in the lecture. Take a moment to organize your thoughts and choose your words carefully. Be as specific as you can. Don\u2019t say something like, \u201cI don\u2019t understand the big deal about whether the earth revolves around the sun or the sun around the earth. So what?\u201d Instead, you might ask, \u201cWhen they discovered that the earth revolves around the sun, was that such a disturbing idea because people were upset to realize that maybe they weren\u2019t the center of the universe?\u201d The first question suggests you haven\u2019t thought much about the topic, while the second shows that you are beginning to grasp the issue and want to understand it more fully.\r\n\r\nFollowing are some additional guidelines for asking good questions:\r\n<ul id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_s01_s01_l01\" class=\"im_itemizedlist im_editable im_block\">\r\n\t<li>Ask a question or two early in the term, even on the first day of class. Once the instructor has \u201cnoticed\u201d you as a class participant, you are more likely to be recognized again when you have a question. You won\u2019t be lost in the crowd.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Speak deliberately and professionally, not as you might when talking with a friend. Use standard English rather than slang.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>If you\u2019re very shy about public speaking or worried you\u2019ll say the wrong thing, write down your question before asking. Rehearse it in your mind.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>When you have the opportunity to ask questions in class, it\u2019s better to ask right away rather than saving a question for after class. If you really find it difficult to speak up in a large class, this is an acceptable way to ask your question and participate. A private conversation with an instructor may also be more appropriate if the question involves a paper or other project you are working on for the course.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">A note on technology in the lecture hall.<\/strong> Colleges are increasingly incorporating new technology in lecture halls. For example, each student in the lecture hall may have an electronic \u201cclicker\u201d with which the instructor can gain instant feedback on questions in class. Or the classroom may have wireless Internet and students are encouraged to use their laptops to communicate with the instructor in \u201creal time\u201d during the lecture. In these cases, the most important thing is to take it seriously, even if you have anonymity. Most students appreciate the ability to give feedback and ask questions through such technology, but some abuse their anonymity by sending irrelevant, disruptive, or insulting messages.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_s02\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Teaching Style versus Learning Style<\/h2>\r\nAs you learned in Chapter 1 \"You and Your College Experience\", students have many different <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">learning styles<\/span><\/span>. Understanding your learning style(s) can help you study more effectively. Most instructors tend to develop their own teaching style, however, and you will encounter different teaching styles in different courses.\r\n\r\nWhen the instructor\u2019s teaching style matches your learning style, you are usually more attentive in class and may seem to learn better. But what happens if your instructor has a style very different from your own? Let\u2019s say, for example, that your instructor primarily lectures, speaks rapidly, and seldom uses visuals. This instructor also talks mostly on the level of large abstract ideas and almost never gives examples. Let\u2019s say that you, in contrast, are more a visual learner, that you learn more effectively with visual aids and visualizing concrete examples of ideas. Therefore, perhaps you are having some difficulty paying attention in class and following the lectures. What can you do?\r\n<ul id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_s02_l01\" class=\"im_itemizedlist im_editable im_block\">\r\n\t<li>Capitalize on your learning strengths, as you learned in Chapter 1 \"You and Your College Experience\". In this example, you could use a visual style of note taking, such as concept maps, while listening to the lecture. If the instructor does not give examples for abstract ideas in the lecture, see if <em class=\"im_emphasis\">you<\/em> can supply examples in your own thoughts as you listen.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Form a study group with other students. A variety of students will likely involve a variety of learning styles, and when going over course material with other students, such as when studying for a test, you can gain what they have learned through their styles while you contribute what you have learned through yours.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Use ancillary study materials. Many textbooks point students to online resource centers or include a computer CD that offers additional learning materials. Such ancillary materials usually offer an opportunity to review course material in ways that may better fit your learning style.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Communicate with your instructor to bridge the gap between his or her teaching style and your learning style. If the instructor is speaking in abstractions and general ideas you don\u2019t understand, ask the instructor for an example.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>You can also communicate with the instructor privately during office hours. For example, you can explain that you are having difficulty understanding lectures because so many things are said so fast.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFinally, take heart that a mismatch between a student\u2019s learning style and an instructor\u2019s teaching style is not correlated with lower grades.\r\n<div id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_s02_n01\" class=\"im_key_takeaways im_editable im_block\">\r\n<div id=\"post-355\" class=\"post-355 chapter type-chapter status-publish hentry type-1\">\r\n<div class=\"entry-content\">\r\n<div class=\"im_section\">\r\n<div class=\"im_section\">\r\n<div id=\"mclean-ch03_s01_s02_n01\" class=\"im_key_takeaways im_editable im_block\">\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-success\">\r\n<h3>KEY TAKEAWAYs<\/h3>\r\n<section>\r\n<div data-type=\"note\">\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>To prepare for class participation, come to class ready, sit in front, and pay attention to the instructor\u2019s words and body language.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Use good communication techniques when asking or answering questions in class.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Take advantage of all opportunities to interact with your instructors, even in large lecture classes.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>If your learning style does not match the instructor\u2019s teaching style, adapt your learning and study with other students to stay actively engaged.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div>\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\"><\/h3>\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\r\n<h3>Checkpoint EXERCISES<\/h3>\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li>For each of the following statements about class participation, circle T for true or F for false:\r\n<div class=\"im_informaltable\">\r\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>T<\/td>\r\n<td>F<\/td>\r\n<td>To avoid having to answer a question in class when you don\u2019t know the answer, sit in the back row and avoid making eye contact with the instructor.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>T<\/td>\r\n<td>F<\/td>\r\n<td>If you haven\u2019t finished a reading assignment before coming to a lecture class, bring the book along and try to complete the reading during the lecture.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>T<\/td>\r\n<td>F<\/td>\r\n<td>Although it is OK to disagree with something in your textbook, never disagree with something the instructor says in a lecture.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>T<\/td>\r\n<td>F<\/td>\r\n<td>If you are asked a question but don\u2019t know the answer, it\u2019s best to be honest and admit it.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>T<\/td>\r\n<td>F<\/td>\r\n<td>Before raising your hand to ask a question, take a moment to consider whether maybe it\u2019s a stupid question.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>T<\/td>\r\n<td>F<\/td>\r\n<td>Because you don\u2019t want your instructor to form a poor impression of you, wait a week or two into the term before starting to ask questions in class.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>T<\/td>\r\n<td>F<\/td>\r\n<td>If you\u2019re shy, it\u2019s best never to speak up in class at all.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>T<\/td>\r\n<td>F<\/td>\r\n<td>If you are struggling with a class during the first two weeks of the term, it\u2019s always best to drop the class immediately because the situation won\u2019t improve.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/div><\/li>\r\n\t<li>List two things you can do if you are having difficulty understanding what your instructor is talking about.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"post-citations sidebar\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<div class=\"im_section\">\n<div id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_n01\" class=\"im_learning_objectives im_editable im_block\">\n<h3 class=\"im_title\"><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">\n<h3>LEARNING OBJECTIVES<\/h3>\n<p>By the end of this section, you will be able to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Understand how to set yourself up for successful participation in class.<\/li>\n<li>List guidelines for effectively asking and answering questions in class.<\/li>\n<li>Describe how to interact successfully with an instructor in a large lecture class.<\/li>\n<li>Explain strategies for effective learning if your learning style is different from your instructor\u2019s teaching style.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"im_section\">\n<h2><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>We\u2019ve already discussed the many benefits of participating in class as a form of actively engaging in learning. Not everyone naturally feels comfortable participating. Following some general guidelines makes it easier.<\/p>\n<div id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_s01\" class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Guidelines for Participating in Classes<\/h2>\n<p>Smaller classes generally favor discussion, but often instructors in large lecture classes also make some room for participation.<\/p>\n<p>A concern or fear about speaking in public is one of the most common fears. If you feel afraid to speak out in class, take comfort from the fact that many others do as well\u2014and that anyone can learn how to speak in class without much difficulty. Class participation is actually an impromptu, informal type of public speaking, and the same principles will get you through both: preparing and communicating.<\/p>\n<ul id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_s01_l01\" class=\"im_itemizedlist im_editable im_block\">\n<li>Set yourself up for success by coming to class fully prepared. Complete reading assignments. Review your notes on the reading and previous class to get yourself in the right mind-set. If there is something you don\u2019t understand well, start formulating your question now.<\/li>\n<li>Sit in the front with a good view of the instructor, board or screen, and other visual aids. In a lecture hall, this will help you hear better, pay better attention, and make a good impression on the instructor. Don\u2019t sit with friends\u2014socializing isn\u2019t what you\u2019re there for.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/466\/2015\/04\/21065311\/sketch.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-777\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/466\/2015\/04\/21065311\/sketch-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Line drawing of people raising hands in audience\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><\/a>Remember that your body language communicates as much as anything you say. Sit up and look alert, with a pleasant expression on your face, and make good eye contact with the instructor. Show some enthusiasm.<\/li>\n<li>Pay attention to the instructor\u2019s <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">body language<\/span><\/span>, which can communicate much more than just his or her words. How the instructor moves and gestures, and the looks on his or her face, will add meaning to the words\u2014and will also cue you when it\u2019s a good time to ask a question or stay silent.<\/li>\n<li>Take good notes, but don\u2019t write obsessively\u2014and never page through your textbook (or browse on a laptop). Don\u2019t eat or play with your cell phone. Except when writing brief notes, keep your eyes on the instructor.<\/li>\n<li>Follow class protocol for making comments and asking questions. In a small class, the instructor may encourage students to ask questions at any time, while in some large lecture classes the instructor may ask for questions at the end of the lecture. In this case, jot your questions in your notes so that you don\u2019t forget them later.<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t say or ask anything just to try to impress your instructor. Most instructors have been teaching long enough to immediately recognize insincere flattery\u2014and the impression this makes is just the opposite of what you want.<\/li>\n<li>Pay attention to the instructor\u2019s thinking style. Does this instructor emphasize theory more than facts, wide perspectives over specific ideas, abstractions more than concrete experience? Take a cue from your instructor\u2019s approach and try to think in similar terms when participating in class.<\/li>\n<li>It\u2019s fine to disagree with your instructor when you ask or answer a question. Many instructors invite challenges. Before speaking up, however, be sure you can explain why you disagree and give supporting evidence or reasons. Be respectful.<\/li>\n<li>Pay attention to your communication style. Use <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">standard English<\/span><\/span> when you ask or answer a question, not slang. Avoid sarcasm and joking around. Be assertive when you participate in class, showing confidence in your ideas while being respectful of the ideas of others. But avoid an aggressive style that attacks the ideas of others or is strongly emotional.<\/li>\n<li>When your instructor asks a question to the class:\n<ul id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_s01_l02\" class=\"im_itemizedlist\">\n<li>Raise your hand and make eye contact, but don\u2019t call out or wave your hand all around trying to catch his or her attention.<\/li>\n<li>Before speaking, take a moment to gather your thoughts and take a deep breath. Don\u2019t just blurt it out\u2014speak calmly and clearly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>When your instructor asks you a question directly:\n<ul id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_s01_l03\" class=\"im_itemizedlist\">\n<li>Be honest and admit it if you don\u2019t know the answer or are not sure. Don\u2019t try to fake it or make excuses. With a question that involves a reasoned opinion more than a fact, it\u2019s fine to explain why you haven\u2019t decided yet, such as when weighing two opposing ideas or actions; your comment may stimulate further discussion.<\/li>\n<li>Organize your thoughts to give a sufficient answer. Instructors seldom want a yes or no answer. Give your answer and provide reasons or evidence in support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>When you want to ask the instructor a question:\n<ul id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_s01_l04\" class=\"im_itemizedlist\">\n<li>Don\u2019t ever feel a question is \u201cstupid.\u201d If you have been paying attention in class and have done the reading and you still don\u2019t understand something, you have every right to ask.<\/li>\n<li>Ask at the appropriate time. Don\u2019t interrupt the instructor or jump ahead and ask a question about something the instructor may be starting to explain. Wait for a natural pause and a good moment to ask. On the other hand, unless the instructor asks students to hold all question until the end of class, don\u2019t let too much time go by, or you may forget the question or its relevance to the topic.<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t ask just because you weren\u2019t paying attention. If you drift off during the first half of class and then realize in the second half that you don\u2019t really understand what the instructor is talking about now, don\u2019t ask a question about something that was already covered.<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t ask a question that is really a complaint. You may be thinking, \u201cWhy would so-and-so believe that? That\u2019s just crazy!\u201d Take a moment to think about what you might gain from asking the question. It\u2019s better to say, \u201cI\u2019m having some difficulty understanding what so-and-so is saying here. What evidence did he use to argue for that position?\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Avoid dominating a discussion. It may be appropriate in some cases to make a follow-up comment after the instructor answers your question, but don\u2019t try to turn the class into a one-on-one conversation between you and the instructor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_s01_s01\" class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Lecture Hall Classes<\/h2>\n<p>While opportunities are fewer for student discussions in large lecture classes, participation is still important. The instructor almost always provides an opportunity to ask questions. Because time is limited, be ready with your question or comment when the opportunity arises\u2014and don\u2019t be shy about raising your hand first.<\/p>\n<p>Being prepared is especially important in lecture classes. Have assigned readings done before class and review your notes. If you have a genuine question about something in the reading, ask about it. Jot down the question in your notes and be ready to ask if the lecture doesn\u2019t clear it up for you.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/466\/2015\/04\/21065313\/lecture-hall.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-778\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/466\/2015\/04\/21065313\/lecture-hall-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Lecture hall full of students talking\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" \/><\/a>Being prepared before asking a question also includes listening carefully to the lecture. You don\u2019t want to ask a question whose answer was already given by the instructor in the lecture. Take a moment to organize your thoughts and choose your words carefully. Be as specific as you can. Don\u2019t say something like, \u201cI don\u2019t understand the big deal about whether the earth revolves around the sun or the sun around the earth. So what?\u201d Instead, you might ask, \u201cWhen they discovered that the earth revolves around the sun, was that such a disturbing idea because people were upset to realize that maybe they weren\u2019t the center of the universe?\u201d The first question suggests you haven\u2019t thought much about the topic, while the second shows that you are beginning to grasp the issue and want to understand it more fully.<\/p>\n<p>Following are some additional guidelines for asking good questions:<\/p>\n<ul id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_s01_s01_l01\" class=\"im_itemizedlist im_editable im_block\">\n<li>Ask a question or two early in the term, even on the first day of class. Once the instructor has \u201cnoticed\u201d you as a class participant, you are more likely to be recognized again when you have a question. You won\u2019t be lost in the crowd.<\/li>\n<li>Speak deliberately and professionally, not as you might when talking with a friend. Use standard English rather than slang.<\/li>\n<li>If you\u2019re very shy about public speaking or worried you\u2019ll say the wrong thing, write down your question before asking. Rehearse it in your mind.<\/li>\n<li>When you have the opportunity to ask questions in class, it\u2019s better to ask right away rather than saving a question for after class. If you really find it difficult to speak up in a large class, this is an acceptable way to ask your question and participate. A private conversation with an instructor may also be more appropriate if the question involves a paper or other project you are working on for the course.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">A note on technology in the lecture hall.<\/strong> Colleges are increasingly incorporating new technology in lecture halls. For example, each student in the lecture hall may have an electronic \u201cclicker\u201d with which the instructor can gain instant feedback on questions in class. Or the classroom may have wireless Internet and students are encouraged to use their laptops to communicate with the instructor in \u201creal time\u201d during the lecture. In these cases, the most important thing is to take it seriously, even if you have anonymity. Most students appreciate the ability to give feedback and ask questions through such technology, but some abuse their anonymity by sending irrelevant, disruptive, or insulting messages.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_s02\" class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Teaching Style versus Learning Style<\/h2>\n<p>As you learned in Chapter 1 &#8220;You and Your College Experience&#8221;, students have many different <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">learning styles<\/span><\/span>. Understanding your learning style(s) can help you study more effectively. Most instructors tend to develop their own teaching style, however, and you will encounter different teaching styles in different courses.<\/p>\n<p>When the instructor\u2019s teaching style matches your learning style, you are usually more attentive in class and may seem to learn better. But what happens if your instructor has a style very different from your own? Let\u2019s say, for example, that your instructor primarily lectures, speaks rapidly, and seldom uses visuals. This instructor also talks mostly on the level of large abstract ideas and almost never gives examples. Let\u2019s say that you, in contrast, are more a visual learner, that you learn more effectively with visual aids and visualizing concrete examples of ideas. Therefore, perhaps you are having some difficulty paying attention in class and following the lectures. What can you do?<\/p>\n<ul id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_s02_l01\" class=\"im_itemizedlist im_editable im_block\">\n<li>Capitalize on your learning strengths, as you learned in Chapter 1 &#8220;You and Your College Experience&#8221;. In this example, you could use a visual style of note taking, such as concept maps, while listening to the lecture. If the instructor does not give examples for abstract ideas in the lecture, see if <em class=\"im_emphasis\">you<\/em> can supply examples in your own thoughts as you listen.<\/li>\n<li>Form a study group with other students. A variety of students will likely involve a variety of learning styles, and when going over course material with other students, such as when studying for a test, you can gain what they have learned through their styles while you contribute what you have learned through yours.<\/li>\n<li>Use ancillary study materials. Many textbooks point students to online resource centers or include a computer CD that offers additional learning materials. Such ancillary materials usually offer an opportunity to review course material in ways that may better fit your learning style.<\/li>\n<li>Communicate with your instructor to bridge the gap between his or her teaching style and your learning style. If the instructor is speaking in abstractions and general ideas you don\u2019t understand, ask the instructor for an example.<\/li>\n<li>You can also communicate with the instructor privately during office hours. For example, you can explain that you are having difficulty understanding lectures because so many things are said so fast.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Finally, take heart that a mismatch between a student\u2019s learning style and an instructor\u2019s teaching style is not correlated with lower grades.<\/p>\n<div id=\"lochhaas-ch07_s02_s02_n01\" class=\"im_key_takeaways im_editable im_block\">\n<div id=\"post-355\" class=\"post-355 chapter type-chapter status-publish hentry type-1\">\n<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<div class=\"im_section\">\n<div class=\"im_section\">\n<div id=\"mclean-ch03_s01_s02_n01\" class=\"im_key_takeaways im_editable im_block\">\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-success\">\n<h3>KEY TAKEAWAYs<\/h3>\n<section>\n<div data-type=\"note\">\n<ul>\n<li>To prepare for class participation, come to class ready, sit in front, and pay attention to the instructor\u2019s words and body language.<\/li>\n<li>Use good communication techniques when asking or answering questions in class.<\/li>\n<li>Take advantage of all opportunities to interact with your instructors, even in large lecture classes.<\/li>\n<li>If your learning style does not match the instructor\u2019s teaching style, adapt your learning and study with other students to stay actively engaged.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"im_title\"><\/h3>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\n<h3>Checkpoint EXERCISES<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>For each of the following statements about class participation, circle T for true or F for false:\n<div class=\"im_informaltable\">\n<table cellpadding=\"0\" style=\"border-spacing: 0px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>T<\/td>\n<td>F<\/td>\n<td>To avoid having to answer a question in class when you don\u2019t know the answer, sit in the back row and avoid making eye contact with the instructor.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>T<\/td>\n<td>F<\/td>\n<td>If you haven\u2019t finished a reading assignment before coming to a lecture class, bring the book along and try to complete the reading during the lecture.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>T<\/td>\n<td>F<\/td>\n<td>Although it is OK to disagree with something in your textbook, never disagree with something the instructor says in a lecture.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>T<\/td>\n<td>F<\/td>\n<td>If you are asked a question but don\u2019t know the answer, it\u2019s best to be honest and admit it.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>T<\/td>\n<td>F<\/td>\n<td>Before raising your hand to ask a question, take a moment to consider whether maybe it\u2019s a stupid question.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>T<\/td>\n<td>F<\/td>\n<td>Because you don\u2019t want your instructor to form a poor impression of you, wait a week or two into the term before starting to ask questions in class.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>T<\/td>\n<td>F<\/td>\n<td>If you\u2019re shy, it\u2019s best never to speak up in class at all.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>T<\/td>\n<td>F<\/td>\n<td>If you are struggling with a class during the first two weeks of the term, it\u2019s always best to drop the class immediately because the situation won\u2019t improve.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>List two things you can do if you are having difficulty understanding what your instructor is talking about.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-citations sidebar\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t <section class=\"citations-section\" role=\"contentinfo\">\n\t\t\t <h3>Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <div id=\"citation-list-102\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <div class=\"licensing\"><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Shared previously<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Success in College. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: anonymous. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/2012books.lardbucket.org\/\">http:\/\/2012books.lardbucket.org\/<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>Image of raised hands drawing. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Matt Cornock. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/gBRNiN\">https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/gBRNiN<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC: Attribution-NonCommercial<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>Image of lecture hall. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Ian Ruotsala. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/bpAMc\">https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/bpAMc<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/section>","protected":false},"author":9,"menu_order":6,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Success in College\",\"author\":\"anonymous\",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"http:\/\/2012books.lardbucket.org\/\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by-nc-sa\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Image of raised hands drawing\",\"author\":\"Matt Cornock\",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/gBRNiN\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by-nc\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Image of lecture hall\",\"author\":\"Ian 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