How do you usually prepare for class and class discussion? (Be honest; I
won't hold your answers against you.) When you get to class, how do you
contribute to discussion? When and why do you speak up or choose not to
speak up? Do you notice that your class contributions help with your
classwork and/or homework?
I have only attended one class thus far, so my class prep has been minimal. I can recall how I prepared for my AP English class during senior year. I scan, read, re-read, and then ponder all assigned reading for that particular day. In regard to reading assignments such as a book or an excerpt, repetition is key for my success. I like being familiar enough with the material that I do not need to continually glance at said material throughout the class discussion. I love being able to communicate clearly my thoughts on the reading during the discussion. Every day in AP my teacher would have us "circle up" - a.k.a moving all of the desks into a circle with her in the middle. She would begin the discussion with a criticism of some sort and then the next 40 or so minute was filled with our thoughts. The amount of applicable and informative things you had to say would accumulate to be your grade for the quarter (along with any quizzes, tests, or the exams). Class contribution is critical for having success with both inside and outside of class work.
