Sulaimon Taiwo
Class participation is an important apparatus for student learning because the learning is not just between the students and the teacher but part of the whole classroom experience. When students participate, they learn from each other and internalize the knowledge better.
Participation is often equated with discussion, which typically involves a lengthy, coherent and didactic conversation with the whole class. Students that regularly participate in class are constantly involved with the materials and are more likely to remember a greater portion of information. Active class participation also improves critical and higher-level thinking skills. A student who often participates in class has studied the material well enough to introduce new concepts to their peers. This level of thinking goes beyond simple comprehension of text and can also improve memory. Participation can also help students learn from each other increasing comprehension through cooperation. This can improve the relationships between students and the lecturers.
Avoiding class participation despite the many benefits of class participation, a few students do not regularly contribute to their classes. When reaching out to students who don’t participate in class, Students ask, why is class participation a neccesity in a fruitful learning environment. Dario Moses, ND1 student of the Public Administration said that paying attention in class is not sufficient enough to solve problems. But lecturers can however promote good listening skills by varying how they communicate. He further stated that class size, time, larger class, and conditions have been the reason why he doesn’t participate in class.
Encouraging class participation
A lecturer’s attitude towards his or her students can dramatically affect class participation in one direction or the other. Students are more likely to participate in class if they have a comfortable relationship with their lecturers. This means that the lecturers do not write off the student’s response or contribution. This also means that lecturers are patient with all his or her students, listen to every response with attention, and provides feedback that is both positive and constructive. Also, course policies drastically affect participation. Studies show a greater level of participation when students’ contributions were factored into their final grades.
Research show that active lecturers’ attitude towards his or her students can dramatically affect class participation in one direction or the other. As claim by a fresh student from ND 1 identified as Maryam Adeyemo claimed today that some lecturers are not encouraging or duly knowing their task. Some often come at late hours. During the interaction, she made it clear that some lectures come late to class Apparently, the first task they do is to pursue traders and vagabonds who hang around the lecture hall premise, instead of zooming in to the podium and get the class started. She went further to state why lecturers should know their duties especially to students who are waiting patiently to receive their lectures.
Besides, the main duties of the lecturer is to give a lecture and impart knowledge coupled with morals while it the main duties of the school maintenance to deal chase traders or vagabonds that disturb a class.
In conclusion, If class participation is an important aspect of student learning, then there are lots to be done by students, lectures and Stakeholders to effectively harmonise to train, develop and equip students rather than doing the merry-go-round, stagnant and non-interacting work.
