Why am I being penalized for not participating in class?

Question

My name is Kimbella and I'm eighteen :). I attend a community college and I'm very shy. My class has 40 students and so far my average is an A. My professor pulled me to the side and told me if I do not start participating and sharing my brilliant ideas that my final grade will drop a half a grade, which would be an A- . I am very upset and with 40 students how does he notice if I do not participate? Can I report him to the dean?

Answer 1

Why would you start with the extreme, report him? Why not just talk to your instructor? Start with what you have here.

Answer 2

Check your syllabus again. Many courses require participation from students as part of the course grade. Reporting the professor to the dean is pointless for something like this. And yes, professors can and do notice these things. So your choices are to start participating or accept the drop in grade to an A-.

Answer 3

Most college courses have a participation requirement as part of your grade. I've been in classes with more than 100 students where 10-15% of your grade depended on participation.



You can of course speak to your professor and get some advice about how to participate more, but this is a common and reasonable request. Talking to the dean will not get you anywhere.

Answer 4

What are you going to "report him" for? Profs have the right to make the guidelines for earning grades in the classes they teach.



Part of the college experience is the exchange of ideas and information and students are expected to participate in that process. You'll have to get over your shyness. Doing so will serve you well for the rest of your college career and in your future jobs.



How does he notice? It's part of his job to notice such things.

Answer 5

your teacher is just trying to get you out of your shell. unfortunately shy or quite people are often overlooked, if you don't participate then you will be overlooked all your life. the hardest part is to begin to come out and participate, but once you do it will get easier and you'll be more confident.