Painful Class

There's a particular class I'm taking, English, and this professor of mine strongly encourages participation. He expects you to ask several questions, show leadership skills, frequently engage in class discussions, and "argue" on people's statements. He'll basically grade you if you talk often or not. I can't utter a single peep in the class, and I know what you're all thinking: "Talk to him about it." But that's the thing: I'm unable to because I'm frozen with fear. I'm very anxious around all of my professors, and even if I need the slightest bit of help, I keep my mouth entirely shut because I feel like I'll ask a stupid question, I'd be wasting their time, they'd get mad, I'd ask about something really obvious, or just humiliate myself in front of the class. As a result, I may get a poor grade on something because my curiousity about certain assignments have never been resolved. I feel as though, if I talked to him about it, I'd be giving him extra stress. There's no way that I'm withdrawing from it either. Bright side? Participation is 1/3 of my grade. If I'm doing excellent with 2/3 of the material, I'll be fortunate enough to earn a B. Sorry guys, just had to rant. *UGHHGH*

well you have to let him know somehow. Can you email him? Write him a letter?

Scrabbl said:

well you have to let him know somehow. Can you email him? Write him a letter?

Click to expand...

That's possible, but I'm afraid if he'll want to talk to me in person. I'm thinking that it COULD be an opportunity to overcome some of my fears by public speaking, but it'll be tough.

Quiet Angel said:

That's possible, but I'm afraid if he'll want to talk to me in person. I'm thinking that it COULD be an opportunity to overcome some of my fears by public speaking, but it'll be tough.

Click to expand...

It COULD be helpful for SA. but actually too much exposure just makes the anxiety worse. in CBT they say that we should start with simple things like making phone calls and saying hi to people etc - but maybe you're already past that stage I don't know.\

I would imagine that talking to the prof would be a lot easier than having to talk in front of the whole class for a term... I think you should just email him, make an appointment to meet with him in his office. That's what I would do. he'll be understanding; trust me.. ok maybe get a note from a counselor if you could

I have this exact problem...I just left the class this happens in. Its a 2 hour tutorial of hell...its mandatory participation and I get graded on it too. I never speak up and if you dont the prof purposefully calls on you. When i do speak I think over what i said for ages afterwards as it never comes out right.

I'd love to tell you to speak to him, but i know that I dont either so its easier said than done. Most of my tutors have email though?? and they repond to that...if thats any help!

Good luck!

HaHA! I have already seen the great thing!!!

I've had a few classes where I had to discuss the material, or make some kind of presentation in front of the class. I hated it, but it does go by easier with time. I'm sure you're a really smart person, and have good things to add in a class discussion. It's only the fear and anxiety that holds us back. Anyways, maybe introduce yourself to the professor, and have a little discussion about it. Or you could just send him an email, explaining your situation.

yeah, i know that feeling.
doesnt seem fair. its like you have all the ideas in your head and you're competent n smart enough but when it comes to expressing them.. worries take over. it sucks.

you said that the class contribution is only worth 1/3 or grade
so really, a small percentage but at the same time you gotta ask yourself if you'd be happy to settle for a grade that is, potentially, below your competency... VS. speaking up about your concerns and, even if it doesnt improve your grade, having that piece of mind, some understanding, and havin a sense of satisfaction that you were able to put yourself outta your comfort zone by talking to your teacher.

from what you've said i think writing him a letter is definitely a good palce to start. most teachers are pretty understanding.. especially if you do go out of your way to let him know. whats your biggest worry about meeting up with him in person, if he did request a meet up?

I can appreciate his method of teaching and what he expects from his students but he obviously does not understand that such things are not going to come easily to all his students for one reason or another. He needs to understand that you're not just a shy person. He also needs to understand that it is not in everyone's nature to be a leader and to be aggressive. You should talk to him or write him because it would really be unfair if you recieved a low grade on account of your lack of participation. I would certainly make an exception for a student with anxiety, but I would still expect an effort to participate eventually.