Archive for October 2012
Cold Calling in Class
Dear Student:
How do you feel when a professor “cold calls” on you in class to answer a question regarding the homework? Does it motivate you to prepare for class better?
Sincerely,
Melissa Larson
School of Accountancy
Dear Professor:
“My mind blanks every time that happens, regardless if I have prepared. I just don’t like to be on the spot like that.”
~Mikhaela Tait
“No, it makes me less willing to participate, and I have less desire to build a relationship with that professor that could otherwise be helpful in my learning.”
~ Dan Randall
“Hmmm . . . If it’s reading, I’d say I at least make sure I’m absorbing what I’m reading so I could be prepared to answer, but only if I know they’ll do it. As other people have said, if it’s random, I’d probably be embarrassed but then just assume they wouldn’t ever call on me again because they already did.”
~ Lucy Williams
“I had a professor who warned us he would do that throughout the semester. I prepared well for his class. But I also was really interested in the material, so I enjoyed participating in class discussion.”
~ Katie Wilkie
“I can’t help but be super shy in classes so I usually don’t make many comments. So I don’t mind too much when a professor calls on me in class because it forces me to say something. I’m still not a huge fan, though.”
~ Nicole Black
