Are you terrified of being called upon in the classroom? Do you find that your vocabulary disappears when you try to speak up in class? You're not alone. But you'd be surprised how much the teacher's perception of you can affect your grade. If a teacher thinks you're really trying to do well, he or she might be more willing to give you the benefit of the doubt when your grade is right on the borderline. By raising your hand in class, you're showing the teacher that you really care about your classroom performance.
Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: From 5 minutes to 5 weeks
Here's How:
- Do your reading assignments before you go to class.
- Review the previous day's notes right before class. On the margins of your notes, write down key words that will help you locate a certain topic quickly.
- Now that you've done all the necessary reading, you should feel confident about the lecture material. Take excellent notes as your teacher lectures. Jot down key words in the margins of your notes if you have time.
- When the teacher asks a question, quickly locate the topic using your key words.
- Take a moment to breath and relax. Sort your thoughts by creating a mental outline in your head.
- With your writing hand, jot down a brief outline of your thoughts in response to the teacher's question if you have time.
- Raise your other hand in the air.
- Don't feel pressured to blurt out your answer quickly. Look or think over your outline. Answer deliberately and slowly if necessary.
Tips:
- Don't ever be embarrassed by your answer! If it's partly right, you've done a good job. If it's completely off-base, the teacher will probably realize that he/she needs to re-word the question.
- Keep trying, even if you turn red and stammer at first. You'll find that it gets easier with experience.
- Don't get cocky! If you get lots of answers right and you get proud and cocky about it, others will think you're obnoxious. That won't do you any good. Don't alienate yourself by trying to impress the teacher. Your social life is important, too.
What You Need:
- One hand.
- A pencil and paper.
- Good class notes.
- The confidence that comes with doing the readings.
- A little courage.
