Are there any questions?

Not long after you started attending classes you noticed the instructor often asked,"Are there any questions?" Being an average student you probably thought, "Not from me."

This tactic, avoiding anything in class which might prolong the agony of ,well ,being in class is often used by average students.

By now you may have not realized that the instructor's," Are there any questions?" isn't just to show off how much she knows. It is, in fact, a tactic instructors employ to make sure the topic under consideration has been covered adequately.

When there is a response from a student it is an opportunity for the instructor to explain, possibly in more depth, the subject. In short, student's questions are teaching tools.

Conversely, when there are no questions the instructor can assume that she has presented the material adequately and she can move on.

Armed with this perspective you might now consider actually asking a question in class. Even though for most of your career on Planet College you have avoided questions in class.

If you are still reluctant to raise your hand during class to ask a question here is a Planet College tip. When the instructor asks, raise your hand and for your question simply repeat back in question form the last thing the instructor has said about the topic.

In an American History class for example, at an appropriate time, having been paying attention, you might say," So, you're saying that the Battle of Gettysburg was the high tide of the Confederacy?"

This will accomplish something more important than the eventual answer to the question. It will establish your presence as an interested student. This simple procedure can also help you get the grade you seek in this course.

Try it. Just ask.