I had my 2nd day of literature today. We had some reading and questions to answer for this class. We don't have to take a lot of notes, but our grade is partly based on class discussion. There's no right or wrong in a discussion, you just give your opinion. When the teacher asked questions, nobody would answer! I'd wait for a bit and when nobody answered I'd raise my hand. Out of about 20 student about 5 of us were doing the talking. I felt sorry for the teacher. I've been in his position many times. Everybody can't be that shy, especially when it comes to getting a grade for discussing.
Am I a brown noser??
Quote from: ChattyLMS on September 14, 2010, 05:54:36 PM
I had my 2nd day of literature today. We had some reading and questions to answer for this class. We don't have to take a lot of notes, but our grade is partly based on class discussion. There's no right or wrong in a discussion, you just give your opinion. When the teacher asked questions, nobody would answer! I'd wait for a bit and when nobody answered I'd raise my hand. Out of about 20 student about 5 of us were doing the talking. I felt sorry for the teacher. I've been in his position many times. Everybody can't be that shy, especially when it comes to getting a grade for discussing.
Am I a brown noser??
No you are not.
Continuing Ed Students are adored by teachers for their participation as they inspire the more hesitant new to college students to participate.
Been there!
OG
Definitely not. I've taught highschool and college classes and there's nothing worse than a silent room during a discussion. Then it's "okay, what do we for the next 45 minutes?" Hangman was always good. Sure, no one wants to talk about King Lear but they all want to play hangman.
Keep discussing... especially if you're getting graded on it. :)
No. You are an active participant. Nothing shameful about taking the classes seriously.
Thanks you guys. I ws beginning to think that I was. Facto, I've been in that situation, too, that I was teaching and nobody would raise their hand. That's pathetic for college though. Maybe the next class will be better.
You are simply paying attention to what you are hearing and answering questions and giving feedback.
Other students might think of it as Brown Nosing but you are there to do what are doing, you are doing what your fellow students are supposed to be doing.
When i was in High School in Psychology class the teacher gave the class an oral exam, we had to answer questions in dozens of diverse areas - but only myself and a girl were answering questions and we were doing it rapid fire.
We weren't 'Brown Nosing', we had learned a lot more than the other kids and the Teacher used that to set the grade curve : there were two smart kids and two dozen who had no idea what the answer was to any of it - as one classmate confided to me years later the class was a lot easier after that test for everyone when the teacher recognised it was a waste of time engaging the students when only two students knew anything.
So, you did right, don't worry about that, there is a time for laziness (God knows i am the poster child for 'Bone Idle') but when you are there to learn because you want to be there (in High School you are there because they make you go - is it any wonder no one wants to hear anything?) it is expected that you pay attention, otherwise it is a waste of tuition.
Thank you Herr Baron! I asked my son about it, too. He graduated from college about 2 years ago. He said the same thing as you guys all did. Well, I'm taking it seriously so I'm discussing!
I concur with the others, and add that you'll only get out of the class what you put into it. Hell, the discussion aspect is really where it gets interesting. Keep it up!!
Thank you, dear Scatter!
I'm going to keep raising my hand. If nobody wants to discuss, then I'm going to. A bunch of idiots there. I'm sure the teacher is extremely frustrated. Well, I'll get something out of it. I don't know that I'll appreciate literature more from this, but whatever we read is interesting and worthy of discussion.
Your paying good money to learn, and that to me says thats exactly what your doing so keep it up. ;D
When I taught US History (part of my dark past which I usually don't discuss) There were always a couple of students unafraid to participate. They usually made each class a lot more interesting than just me babbling. Rarely, I would have a student who would not or could not resist adding their opinion regardless of the facts. But even they made the day more interesting.
It seems to me that "Brown Nosing" is a phenomenon usually restricted to 7th through 12th grades. When you're paying tuition, make the most of your learning opportunities! Until the professor takes you aside and suggests you make a change in your class schedule (or major) don't worry.
If you are really concerned that you are participating too much, go see the professor during his office hours and ask. Most will be quite honest.
Thanks Fester and Toysoldier
Good idea, Fester, about seeing the prof during office hours. I'll see what happens in the coming week.