I’m feeling anxious about participation in my class, where it counts for 10% of the overall grade. As someone who is introverted and on the autism spectrum, I struggle with social cues, which makes it even harder for me to engage. I try to raise my hand every class, and occasionally I get called on, but more often than not, I have my hand up for several minutes while the professor chooses to call on others. Eventually, I feel like I’m taking up too much time and lower my hand. I’m currently holding an A in the class, but I’m worried about my participation grade since it won’t be available until the end of the semester. It’s frustrating that even in such a small class, I feel overlooked when I try to contribute. Am I just overthinking this?
Won’t get called on when raising my hand – and participation is graded
First of all, it’s completely valid to feel anxious about participation, especially when you’re introverted and navigating social cues can be more challenging due to autism. Your experience isn’t uncommon, and it’s important to recognize that you’re doing your best by raising your hand and engaging with the class.
It might be helpful to consider a few things:
Talk to the Professor: If you feel comfortable, consider having a one-on-one conversation with your professor. You could share your thoughts about participation and how it’s been a challenge for you. They might not be aware of the situation, and knowing that you want to participate more could lead them to be more intentional in calling on you.
Alternative Participation Methods: You could ask if there are other ways to participate that might work better for you, such as submitting questions or comments in writing before or after class, or through discussion forums online.
Self-Compassion: It’s easy to overthink situations like this, especially as you worry about your grade. Remember that your contributions are valuable, regardless of how often you’re called on. Having an A shows that you’re doing well academically and grasping the material.
Support Networks: Connecting with peers can be really helpful. They might share similar experiences or have tips on getting noticed more in class.
Ultimately, it’s crucial to advocate for yourself in a way that feels comfortable. Your voice matters, and finding a way to express it that works for you is important. You’re not alone in this, and hopefully, with open communication, you can find a solution that eases your anxiety.