A shy one... Options

[baconstrips]

I have always been a shy type of person, especially in class. Every year teachers always come up to me and say that academically I am doing fine, but my in class participation is low. I feel shy asking teachers questions, and asking for help. One time, our teacher blamed the whole class that none of us were participating or asking questions, so I asked a question, just to make him feel better. He then got pissed at me because he said "I just spent the past 10 minutes explaining that to you." and did not answer my question.
I think because of this, I dont feel confident enough to ask teachers questions without making a fool out of myself.
Do any of you have tips on how to boost my confidence level in class?

[demolished]

that's hard.

i use to "not" ask any question.

now, i ask questions and answer a shitload of question. it helps me do better in class.

it takes courage and guts to ask a simple question. you just need to push yourself to ask a question. other people are asking questions, why cant you ask question? you should take good advantage of the class time.

once you start askin more question, it get's easier and handy.

[Gigi]

That teacher who got pissed at you is just being an a-hole. Don't let that affect you...he's a teacher, it's his job to make sure you understand. He's not supposed to be impatient with you.

Hmm, I don't know what kind of tips I can give you. If there are questions about things you don't understand, and you don't feel like asking the teacher, try your friends out. They'll probably help you.

As for class participation...I don't know what you can do to make yourself more confident, but when saying something, always enunciate and speak loudly enough so that the person can hear you. If they ask you to repeat yourself, you might become more embarassed and discouraged. Speak like you mean it. Imagine having a heated argument with someone about something that you're really passionate about, and integrate that into how you speak.

Don't know if that helped at all...

[deadgiveaway]

Hm. Well, when other people ask questions, do you ever think to yourself, "Hey, I wanted to ask/know that, too!" Something that helps may be thinking about how other people may want to ask the same question you're asking, so when you do ask the question, you're helping others as well. I have a fear of making a fool out of myself as well. >< Haha, and I too totally lack in the class participation area. Honestly, though, I think that most people wouldn't care, even if you do sound a bit foolish. Most people are understandable. If people laugh or snicker at you after you ask a question, ignore them. You're in school to receive an education; you don't need or deserve things like that. Also, I'm sure your teachers will be glad to see you participating more. :D You don't have to all of a sudden raise your hand every few minutes. Take it slowly, maybe ask or answer a question every other day; just do it at a pace that makes you feel more comfortable.

[sprezzatura]

You may also try to ask questions before/after class if you are not confident enough to speak out in class.
However, it's recommended to participate in class discussions because that builds up a good impression to your teacher.

As soon as your point makes sense, no one is going to laugh at you and you shouldn't feel embarrassed by it.

[sayitaintso]

i know how you feel.
but then one day i got over that kinda phase.

just think about it.
30 years from now, would anyone really care/remember about this one girl who a pms-y teacher mad at?

RAISE THAT HAND
and just remember that we're all human beings tryna live and we're subject to all sorts of embarassment, sensitivity, and other lame, yet oh so common, human emotions.

:)

PS i really like your last quote in your sig.

[iminlovewithTomD...]

maybe you could pass a note to one of your friends asking the question? idk... otherwise you just have to push past it.

[sakaitone]

Wow, I have never had that problem, the only problem there is, is getting me to shut up. I raise my hand to ask questions and to answer them all the time. It isn't that hard, you might have problems in the beginning adjusting to answering and asking questions since you're shy.

Answering questions may be hard because you might get it wrong, maybe you think everyone is going to make fun of you if you get it wrong but they're not. If you're 100 % sure that you know the answer then raise your hand. You don't have to raise it that high, it can be kind of low. When you get an answer right, it slowly and steadly builds up self-esteem in class. Even if you get the answer wrong, you should look it up or listen for the correct answer, this becomes helpful when teachers review for exams, tests and such because there in a big chance they'll ask the question again.

Asking questions is even harder, in my opinion I don't think anyone likes looking stupid in front of peers. Asking questions is okay because the teacher is suppose to help you. Be specific about what you don't understand to help the teacher, so he/she doesn't have to review the whole concept again unless they need to for some reason. Word your questions carefully because sometimes the teacher won't understand and will review a different part from what you don't understand. Don't worry about looking stupid and thinking you're the only person who doesn't understand because there's probably someone in your class mentally thanking you for asking that question because they wanted to ask the same questions but doesn't have enough guts.

I hope this helps!!!