How to Prepare and Participate in Class Discussions

Class discussions in a college class can be a terrifying experience for anyone uncomfortable with speaking up in a group. More often than not, however, participating in class discussions is crucial to your final grade in the class. Here are some tips to help you sound proficient and knowledgeable when you are feeling incompetent and ignorant.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Reading material related to the discussion
• Paper & pen

1. Before class, read all the material, including past lecture notes (if any). It helps to be able to tie in past discussions or past lectures from the professor into your comments.
2. Before class, write down notes on all of your reading, especially questions. Try to relate the reading to your life experiences.
3. Before class, think of general comments on the subject, as well as more specific comments from the reading. Write detailed reminder notes on a separate piece of paper in case your mind goes blank when the professor focuses on you.
4. During class, raise your hand early to contribute a comment before your classmates bring up your points.
5. During class, ask questions. Remember, you are there to learn about what you do not know, and questions not only show that you’ve read the material, but it also shows your engagement with the subject matter.
6. During class, listen carefully to the other students to be sure you do not repeat what has already been said. This is also your chance to dispute a comment or add more information to a comment.

Tips & Warnings

• Believe in what you say.
• Back every comment with something from the reading in case you have to defend it.
• Never attack an individual person when you disagree with her/his point. Focus on her/his words.