My new English teacher places a big emphasis on class participation, and I'm really shy...?

Question

I'm afraid to talk in class because I worry that people will think the things I say are stupid. How can I get over my fear?

Answer 1

i'm kind of like that in certain classes.

just do it. force yourself. that's what i do. eventually you'll get over it.

sure, you might make some mistakes and get some answers wrong, but you can't expect to go through everything smoothly.

i used to be like that (and sometimes still am) where i don't do things out of fear that i'll mess up.

but if you keep that ideology up, you'll never get through the most basic things in life.

Answer 2

I had the exact same problem so I feel your pain.

So I talked as much as absolutley necccasary and just tried to keep it short

Answer 3

Have you told your teacher this? If he/she knows you are shy and it's not that your not paying attention, he/she may not place as much emphasis. Let the teacher know that you are paying attention and will contribute as much as you are comfortable with, but that you have fears of classmates thinking you are stupid.

As a side note, please know that people who treat you like you are stupid because of soemthing you say in class, are the stupid ones themselves!!

Good luck!

Answer 4

Well first you have to understand that your teacher places an emphasis on class participation because he/she values what you have to say!

It sounds like you really have two obstacles that you're facing: shyness and self-doubt. By building up some confidence you'll find that sharing with your class will be much easier. What you think and say are going to be valuable contributions to your class. Everyone has a different perspective and interpretation and you're helping others learn by sharing yours. When you contribute in class you make a deeper connection to the material because you're hearing about others' perspectives and then thinking of them in relation to your own. Not every thought you have is going to be ground-breaking or original, but it couldn't hurt to share some of your thoughts to give your class discussion a greater context. You're helping yourself and others.

You can also consider what types of things you want to share. You don't want to share every thought you have so you need to be selective.

* Think about what you want to share with your class. Try to think objectively: has someone else shared a similar thought? does this give another dimension to the discussion? does this create opportunity for other ways of thinking and for asking questions? does this relate? can you find example to support what you're thinking?

* If you're developing a thought and you can't figure out where to take it (so to speak) - raise your hand and say something like "Well, I started to think XXXX and then I didn't quite know how to finish the thought. Did anybody else feel that way?"

* Share your reaction to something. If you were surprised by the way a theme was presented or you have never read about a character like the one you're discussing, share that. Not every thought has to be profound. Reactions are good for candid thinking.

* Make connections. Relate what you're reading to a current event, a personal experience (be careful with that!), or another text. Thinking about the text in the "bigger picture" sense shows that you're trying to relate and helps other students connect the material to their lives.

* Remember that if you're thinking about something a certain way or have a question, chances are someone else is thinking the same thing as you! If you're confused about something, say why. If you made a connection, explain. If you have a question, ask. Someone will understand what you mean and your teacher will help guide the class discussion so that it's productive and not embarrassing.

Just make sure to do your homework and sharing in class should be relatively low-stress! Nobody is asking you to write a classic novel, your teacher simply wants to hear your thoughts and know that you're working with others to infer meaning and develop context. :)

Good luck and be brave!

Answer 5

Don't think about it just do it.  

Answer 6

I used to have a problem with class participation too almost all of my teachers gave big points for it. I would try not to care what other people think. I made sure that I would study and do all of my work so that i knew what i was talking about I also tried to ask questions that made sense and would help other people as well. Just be chill u know? Good luck!

Answer 7

Everyone feels that way, you'll have to just force yourself to participate or do poorly!  Part of growing up is getting over being afraid of everything!  So you say something stupid, everyone does, it's not the end of the world!  What do you do, write everyone that says something stupid off?  Stop judging yourself worse than others would judge you!

Answer 8

One of my teachers once told me that there is no such thing as a stupid question. Best advice I ever got ! How else will you ever know the answer.

As far as you worrying about what others think, just remember that a lot of others in your class probably feel the same.

I used to be VERY shy and would turn beet red when people even looked at me.

What worked for me was to fake it ! Even if you feel insecure inside, try not to show it on the outside. Then no one will know the difference.

Fake it till ya make it !

You sound really smart by the way, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Answer 9

I had a teacher that graded us almost only on class participation, and I also had that same fear. I would always make up a question, but one that I already knew that answer to. So I would ask the question, she would explain, then I would kind of repeat the answer, so it sounded like I was really listening intently. But I just did that for a little while, because I forced myself to just get over my fears. Sitting closer to the teacher might make you feel better at first, because you don't have to speak as loud, so there's less of a chance the rest of the class while hear you. but remember, THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION!!!! just suck it up, and say something, it's hard at first, but being involved in a class makes it more interesting, and easier!

Answer 10

Have a little fun with your teacher.  Tell her/him about your fear and explain that you would like to work on class participation as an extra credit assignment.  Some Psych teachers are real cool about stuff like this, and if nothing else, they know about your fears.

Answer 11

Act like you dont care what anyone else thinks

It worked for me, had to do a presentation in front of the class many times

Answer 12

I went through the past 20 years like that. i realized the worrying isn't worth it. i didn't care if those people liked me or not. worrying just made me upset. if i were able to go back to school...i would just try and be myself and not care. it's not the end of the world if those people say something...and im sure they won't. and again if they do...who cares...there are better people outside of school. im glad im not friends with people from school. they weren't worth it. i found better people. looking back i feel stupid for those worries. all those people sitting in class...i have never seen. i wish so badly that i just faced my fear...was myself...and just did what i had to do. but i guess not doing it...all these years...helped me realize now...that i don't need to worry about things 24-7. im sure you will be fine. just be yourself and not care what people say. don't take it to heart. they arn't worth it. and if they are...you will know. im out of school and the people i meet now...are so much better. so much more mature and just so different. so there's a whole world out there. don't let school get to you.  when we are in school...it seems like it's the world and it's such a huge deal...but in reality..it's not. it's nothing. it's nothing like the real world. sooo don't worry...think of me...think of how i didn't fight my fear and how i regret it. let me know how it goes :) good luck...u will be great.

Answer 13

I deal with the same thin. Im really bad at math and want to answer but Im afraid that if I get it wrong they will say Im dumb and Im afraid to ask questions. What I have learned was who cares. School is here so we can learn. If your teacher says you have to participate and your shy answer for ones you are almost sure of. Raise your hand if you think your right. Always follow along. Your teacher will notice your trying. Sit near the teacher if you can so when you ask you can just stick your hand over your head.

Answer 14

I used to be the same way.  Be attentive in class - maybe write the teacher a note....  Is the teacher all about verbal participation b/c u can participate in other ways...

Start small.  I NEVER talked in class unless called upon.  Maybe if there's a simple question u know the answer to u can slowly raise your hand.