Enhance your class participation

Students writing notes

What is class participation?

Class participation is mainly about helping yourself learn better. It is all about your engagement with your university classes (either physical class or virtual class via Zoom) - whether it's speaking up in discussions, asking questions, or just actively listening and taking notes. In other words, it's not only about making your voice heard; it’s also about creating a dynamic learning environment where everyone can benefit. There are two types of participation: verbal (i.e.: talking or asking questions) and non-verbal (i.e: listening and note-taking). Both are valuable, and when you use them well, you not only learn more yourself but also help make the class better for everyone.

Group of students interacting

Examples of verbal class participation:

  1. Ask and answer questions
  2. Participate in pair/group work (i.e. presentation)
  3. Share examples
  4. Express ideas clearly in discussions and debates
  5. Give feedback on peers' work
Students doing experiment in lab

Examples of non-verbal class participation:

  1. Using body language (facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, nodding, shaking head...)
  2. Expressing emotions (smiling, frowning...)
  3. Raising hands
  4. Note taking

Benefits of enhanced class participation

Now that you are clear about the benefits of class participation, it’s time to explore how active class participation will contribute to your academic success and professional development in your future career.

Student collaborate on whiteboard collaborative learning space

Strategies for enhancing class participation

Preparing before class is an essential habit for ensuring academic success as it enhances your ability to actively engage with the material and maximise learning during the session. Here are a few ways to get ready effectively:

Complete pre-class readings, review lecture slides or other resourcesWhile some readings may seem challenging, doing this will help you become more confident in asking questions and engaging in class discussions.
Note down unclear conceptsEffective note-taking should accompany your reading and allow you to distinguish between new and known content and learn more about the former during your classes.
Review learning outcomesCheck the identified learning outcomes, for the topic and the unit overall, to clarify what you are expected to understand and take away from the lesson.

Irrespective of whether your class is in person or online, the best way to maximise the benefit of classes is to be engaged during them. Here are some of the ways you can actively engage in class.

Ask questions Your classes are not only ideal places to seek clarification for unclear concepts but also to ask relevant questions regarding upcoming assessments, weekly quizzes or final exams. You can ask questions when:
  • the educator explains a concept and gives students an opportunity to clarify anything
  • you are engaged with in-class activities and the educator is assisting the groups
  • the class has finished
  • you are attending a class online by raising your hand in person or via Zoom chat.
Take notes Your classes are the ideal place to create a better understanding of the content and make connections to your assessments. Take notes during your classes. You can use the downloaded lecture slides and annotate them using a pen or online tool to take notes. As you take notes, think how this is enhancing your knowledge about the pre-class readings. If you have gaps in your knowledge, ask the educator.
Listen activelyActive listening is being proactive and attentive during your lecture.
  • Active listening can be conveyed in a non-verbal manner by your body language, e.g. eye contact, nodding head, etc.
  • It can also be verbal such as responding to your educator’s questions, participating in class discussion with your peers or asking questions.
Connect with your classmates Making connections with your peers is an important aspect of university that is often underestimated. Having a good rapport with your peers not only ensures academic support, but also fosters a sense of belonging, reduces feelings of isolation, and creates opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. These connections can enhance your learning experience, provide diverse perspectives, and even lead to lifelong friendships or professional networks that can benefit you beyond university.

Some tips to be mindful of:

  • Be respectful and inclusive: Remember, your peers come from diverse backgrounds. Flexibility and thoughtfulness in your responses foster inclusivity by cultivating respect, offering alternative perspectives, and acknowledging others' contributions.
  • Be considerate: Make meaningful contributions by showcasing critical thinking, linking ideas to personal experiences, and providing examples to back up your points. Actively seek and give constructive feedback to enhance understanding and collaboration.

What you do after class is as important as what you do before class. Following up on your weekly topic after the lecture and tutorial solidifies your understanding of the weekly topic. Here is how you can maximise post-class engagement with your study.

Review your notesConsolidate your understanding by reviewing your notes soon after class while the material is still fresh in your memory.
Build on your notesBuild upon the notes you took before and during the session, and make connections between the week's learning objectives and your own insights. This will allow you to highlight the key take-aways from the content.
Clarify any doubtsRevisit any questions you identified during your pre-class preparation and assess whether you have found answers to all of them. If any gaps remain, this process will guide you to focus more on these gaps so that you can strengthen your understanding of the topic.
Prepare for assessmentsThink critically how this concept is related to the upcoming assessment. Determining how this task is related to your assessment can help you to make your assessment task outline and writing stronger.
Stay connected to classmatesWhether or not you have a group assignment, staying connected with your peers is invaluable. Building these connections makes it easier to form study groups and collaborate - a valuable skill to develop for study and future employment.

Strategies for asking for help

How to ask for help: techniques that work

What to askWho to askWhere to ask
  • Identify specific areas of confusion (e.g., a concept, formula, or section of reading).
  • Frame clear questions such as, “Can you explain how this theory applies to the case study?” or “Could you clarify how this formula works in this example?”
  • Avoid vague statements like, “I don’t get it,” Be specific about what you did not understand.

Educators: Ideal for in-depth questions about course material and assessments.

Peers or study groups: Great for quick clarifications or alternative explanations.

Classes: Take advantage of Q&A sessions or office consultation hours.

Moodle online forum: Each unit has a dedicated discussion forum where you can post questions and get responses from your lecturers/tutors and peers.

Email to the tutor: If you do not get an answer from the Moodle discussion forum, you can email your question to your class lecturer/tutor or Chief Examiner. Be concise, clear and specific while writing.

In summary, if you participate in class actively, you will be able to enrich your learning experience. You will have a deeper understanding about learning contents, develop your communication skills, and contribute to a more dynamic and inclusive classroom environment.

Taking it further