Professors give introverts a helping hand
University is a place where constant discussion and communication is celebrated. Class discussions, group seminars, and presentations are all part of the curriculum and encourage interaction between students. Most courses at the university leave a small percentage of one’s final grade to participation – raising one’s hand in class and participating in class discussions. As an introvert, this is often my weakest mark, as I cannot remember the last time I have raised my hand in a University classroom.
When I was in the second grade, I decided I was going to face my fear of speaking in class by answering one of the teacher’s questions. I knew the answer and I was going to finally raise my hand for the first time. The teacher had asked how many nickels it took to make a dollar. I raised my hand up as fast as I could and answered confidently “ten.” Before I knew what had just happened, the entire class was in a giggling fit and the teacher had to intervene to settle everyone down before correcting me with a look of sympathy on her face. I could have sworn she had asked about dimes. That day, when I came home, I calmly sat my parents down in the living room and announced that we had to pack our bags immediately and leave town.
What really happened was that I simply lost all confidence in raising my hand in class and got into the habit of sitting quietly behind the desk – even when I thought I knew the answer. Although I now realize that everyone makes mistakes and that mistakes are a normal part of life, it’s difficult to engage in class discussion after years of avoiding speaking up.
Recently, some professors have decided to change their syllabus to read “investment” instead of “participation,” in consideration of students who struggle with speaking naturally in a classroom. Investment can be anything from correspondence with a professor through e-mail, visiting the professor during their office hours, and showing a genuine interest in class material. Those who have a fear of public speaking, or simply have trouble participating in class discussions, can show that they are truly invested in the course and are genuinely interested in the material. It may be difficult for those who enjoy speaking in class to understand that being graded for participation can add a lot of stress to an introvert’s academic life, since public speaking causes great anxiety for them. Hearing about this new take on participation grades left me feeling hopeful and excited for those who struggle with speaking in class the same way that I do.
Class discussion is definitely an important aspect of attending class and developing social interaction skills by reaching outside of one’s comfort zone. Genuine class discussion should be encouraged by all professors, but should be more carefully planned and not forced upon students, as it doesn’t come as naturally for some. This new look on grading participation is a great way for extraverts to continue adding to thoughtful class discussions, while allowing introverts to express their interest in the course material in a different way.
Students all communicate, learn, and interact differently, which is why it is so important to continue to adapt such open-minded perspectives on learning to help students work on their fears by eliminating the pressure behind facing them.