Your participation in class will be an important part of your grade this year. Your participation lets me know what you are learning and helps the class to be more engaging and interactive. My goal is that we function as a team, pursuing our education together.

Class Discussion: Given our limited class time together, it is important that we contribute in a meaningful way to class discussions. Examples of this are: staying on topic and furthering an idea that we are talking about. (Talking without positively adding to the discussion does not bring us forward as a class and will result in a lower participation grade.)

That being said, I’m not looking for you to contribute by getting the “right” answers. Exploring and taking risks can also help the class to learn and grow. Sometimes taking a leap and getting a “wrong” answer can bring about new learning, and debate can sometimes help us sharpen our ideas.

What are some ways that I can participate?

• Add to an idea that another classmate made.
• Ask a question to clarify material or explore a new perspective.
• Connect what we’re talking about in class with something you are reading.
• Use examples from your reading to a make point in class.
• Share something you’ve written when the teacher asks for volunteers.
• Comment specifically on what you liked about another writer’s piece.
• Share on-topic ideas during buddy activities.
• Summarize directions for the class when the teacher asks for volunteers.
• Write a question or comment about our discussion on an index card and hand it in to the teacher by the end of class. If a connection is made that the teacher thinks will benefit the class, she will share it.
• Invite another person without a partner to join your group.
• If someone is absent, fill them in on what they’ve missed.
• The day after you are absent; see me during the block surrounding lunch.
• Demonstrate commitment by being prepared for class; always arrive on time.
• Listen to your classmates. Don’t focus so much on what you want to say that you lose track of what other people are saying. Jot notes to remind you of your point and then share it when there is opportunity.
  

? If you are worried about your participation or need more ideas, see the teacher(s) sooner rather than later.