Myths and Fears about Class Participation
Dan Lindley, v. 1.1
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Myth/fear: I will ask a stupid question and everyone will find out that
I am dumb.
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Fact: 98.7% of questions are not dumb (1)
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Fact: 99.6% of questions motivated by curiosity are not dumb
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Fact: Most other students will be thinking: thank goodness someone asked
that question because they didn't understand it either (you will be a hero)
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Fact: Most people fear that they will be found out to be dumb
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Myth/fear: I will ask a good question but this will challenge the professor
and this will upset him and he will lower my grade, especially if he is
wrong.
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Fact: those who challenge me are courageous heroes (unfortunately, b/c
it should be normal). Hero-dom is also assured by the following:
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Fact: those who correct me make me more accurate and truthful
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Fact: those who criticize me help me (try to) be excellent
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Fact: those who ask hard questions usually help me learn.
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Fact: Students engaged in any of the above often demonstrate admirable
intellectual acuity.
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Myth/fear: I will interrupt the lecture by asking a question.
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Fact: it's true, but so what?
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Myth/fear: I will answer a question poorly and I will look like an idiot.
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Fact: 97.2% of answers are not dumb, virtually none are idiotic.
Sincerity and trying one's best wards off dumbness.
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Fact: 98.9% of all answers are greatly appreciated by this professor. Even
the very few dumb answers are usually appreciated as they are a jumping
off point for further discussion and debate. Of the less appreciated
answers (1.1%), 97.6% create annoyance because of ego-centrism and social
maladjustment, not dumbness. (2)
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Fact: Most students will also greatly appreciate your answer as it helps
them learn how their peers are thinking about the issue. Debate and discussion
helps even non-participators think about the course materials with greater
depth and perspective.
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Jervis bowling shoe exercise: Why is Lindley in this business?
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To help students learn, to help himself learn, to debate and be intellectually
stimulated. Questions are part of why I am here!!
1. Factz I. Makemup, "Spuriating the Factoid," Journal
of Irreproducible Results, Vol. 0, (Y2K), page 3.
2. Makemup, "Spuriating the Factoid," page 4.