It's not always easy to speak in class when you want to ask a question. Maybe you are too nervous to speak in front of others or you get agitated and forget what you were about to say. You are not the only one, as many students have a certain aversion to speaking in public, especially when they are afraid of being ridiculous. Since you need to ask for further clarification to improve your understanding of a given topic, you should learn how to formulate a question correctly. If you cannot find an answer on your own, wait for the right opportunity to intervene, then express your doubt in detail by expressing yourself in a loud and clear voice.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting the Teacher's Attention
Step 1. Wait for the right time
All professors offer students the opportunity to ask questions and present their concerns at the end of the lesson. So, wait for the opportune moment. This way, the teacher will be able to conclude the explanation and give you a detailed answer.
- Keep in mind the progress of the lessons in the classroom. The teacher may encourage students to ask questions during the explanation or set a specific time to devote themselves fully to their doubts.
- If he doesn't invite questions, wait for him to take a break before asking him something.
Step 2. Raise your hand
It is the most common and polite gesture to make the teacher understand that you have a question. By raising your hand, you can silently communicate your need to clarify a concern, without interrupting the lesson or disturbing classmates. Plus, you can get noticed in a crowded classroom.
- Keep it up until the professor sees it. He doesn't necessarily notice it right away.
- Don't wave your arm in an attempt to be seen. It can be a very annoying gesture.
Step 3. Say aloud that you have a question
If the teacher hasn't noticed that you have raised your hand, you can politely warn him before you completely lose track of the explanation. Just say "I'm sorry" or get his attention by calling him. Wait for me to give you permission before you start talking.
Have respect. By disturbing the class or speaking while the teacher is explaining, you will give the impression that you want to cause havoc
Part 2 of 3: Correctly Formulate Questions
Step 1. Try to find the answer by yourself
You may already have the information you need to understand a concept. Before you ask a question, think and make sure you are not asking for something you might guess for yourself. Examine the textbook and notes for the answer.
- By learning to search for answers yourself, you can improve your study method and make good use of your resources.
- It can be embarrassing to ask a question when the answer is in front of you.
Step 2. Relax your nerves
Many students are overcome by shyness when they have a doubt, but there is no reason to be embarrassed. See questions as a tool that allows you to improve learning. While the answer is simple, the fact that you have had the readiness to intervene shows that you are following the explanation.
- Probably some other mate will have the same concerns as you and are too shy to expose them.
- Once you get used to it, you will be able to express your doubts without feeling embarrassed.
Step 3. Speak in a clear and understandable voice
Articulate the words well and make sure the teacher and the rest of the class can hear you. This way, you won't be forced to repeat what you said.
- The voice should be loud enough to be heard clearly, but be careful not to scream.
- If you mumble or speak softly, it will be difficult for others to hear you.
Step 4. Ask short questions
Don't freewheel and don't do long preambles. Be concise and direct. This way, the teacher will be able to answer you and you will not waste precious time during the lesson.
To avoid confusion, introduce the question using a keyword: who, what, where, when, why or how
Step 5. Ask for specific information
It indicates exactly the doubt to be clarified. It could be a date, a number or a spelling clarification, but also a more important concept, such as the meaning of an expression or a segmentation of phases within a biological process. The key point is to formulate the question correctly so that you can get the information you need.
- "In what year did the French Revolution begin?" is a more rigorous question than "When did this happen?".
- You can also ask your question as if it were a request, for example: "Could you spell out the pronunciation of the word better?" or "Would it be possible to review the previous slide?".
- Avoid vague or open-ended questions.
Step 6. Listen carefully to the answer
Make eye contact with the teacher as he answers or take notes for later analysis. Every now and then you nod to show that you understand. Don't forget to thank you once you've received a satisfactory response.
- If something is still unclear to you, ask the professor for further clarification before he continues with the explanation.
- Don't interrupt and don't look around. This attitude could be rude.
Part 3 of 3: Finding Other Ways to Ask Questions
Step 1. Wait for the lesson to finish if you have a lot of doubts
There may be no way to answer all the questions, especially if time is running out and other students also have controversial points to settle. In these cases, approach the teacher at the end of the lesson and ask him if he can help you understand what is not clear to you.
- Ask your questions one at a time so that the teacher has time to answer you.
- If you are a university student, you can also go to the teacher's office during office hours.
Step 2. Write down your concerns as you study at home
List the most difficult problems and concepts. You may be able to piece together the answers yourself as you dig deeper into a topic. If not, ask your teacher to give you some clarification before the lesson begins.
- By identifying your difficulties, you will learn to overcome them when you study alone.
- At the next lesson, introduce yourself a little early to have the opportunity to discuss your doubts.
Step 3. Email your application
If you can't overcome the anxiety of speaking in class, write an email to the teacher. It is very convenient because he can answer at any time, whether you are in class or not. You will receive the answer and you will have the freedom to carry out your checks whenever you want.
- Insert the main concept of the question in the subject of the email so that the teacher already has an idea of the content of the message as soon as he receives it.
- If you are in a hurry (for example, before a major exam), send the email well in advance to make sure you get the answer on time.
- Another benefit of the email is that you can archive it and re-read it later in case you forget the reply.
Advice
- Don't hesitate to ask for clarification when you don't understand something.
- If you are concerned that you will forget the question before you have a chance to ask it, write it down in your notebook.
- Don't go off topic. To avoid complications, try to ask questions relevant to the topic of the lesson.
- If another student tries to ridicule you for a question, have a laugh. The most important thing is to learn.
- If the professor has just finished explaining a passage, but it is still not clear to you, do not hesitate to ask for further clarification. Invite him to repeat in more understandable language.
