Here's Why You Should Ask That Dumb Question in Class

As a senior at PV I’ve had my fair share of times when I am afraid to ask questions out of the self consciousness of looking stupid or sounding dumb. And throughout my years I have noticed one thing, those who don’t raise their hands are less judged, while those who do participate, ask questions and engage the way they’re supposed to, are labeled as “tryhards” or annoying. Why have we become so judgemental of people who are trying to learn? Part of school and the beauty of learning is being able to ask questions in order for you to reach understanding, whether the question is stupid or not, because the answer you get from the teacher will most likely guide you in a way that you will understand individually and even if their answer doesn’t help you might be helping someone else who had the same question as you. No, we don't always understand explanations, and I can feel that when it comes to math especially. I always have trouble understanding definitions and remembering rules, but that lack of engagement is what makes classes that are already confusing even more challenging. 

Another part of why I think that we are so quick to stay silent is also because we’re afraid of being wrong, but wouldn’t you rather know if your answer is wrong so you can learn, and be right? Even in discussions if you disagree with someone, speak up and say it in a respectful way and maybe even justify your answer accordingly, out of this disagreement you might see a new perspective of someone who thinks differently. Understanding different perspectives allows us each to become more understanding and knowledgeable not just as students in school, but as individual people.

  Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask because in doing so, you might encourage others to speak, and in this way each person can get an answer to a question that might change their entire perspective of the class, that might be extremely helpful. So why are we so quick to judge those who raise their hands a lot in class? When those who do so are most likely just making an effort to learn, it’s so normalized for us to not care enough or pay attention enough to be asking questions and in this we are all limiting ourselves from personal growth and skills that will be useful in our futures, meaning in a way you’re also limiting the possibilities of your future. 

Don’t be afraid to look or sound dumb if you know or even think that your question will help you understand, don’t be afraid to speak up or state your opinion if you feel it is valid or relevant to the current topic of the class, because a silent class helps no one. And to those who judge people that do raise their hands, unless that person is arrogant or condescending in the way they speak up, you really should consider why you’re judging them in the first place, maybe you think they’re trying too hard, but they most likely understand the class better than you and have a higher chance of success.

Let’s start focusing on ourselves. How can we each understand our classes? A lot of the time even a simple question can be extremely helpful to you, and you’ll never know unless you take the chance and initiative to ask. Ask questions, engage with the teacher, their literal jobs are to help us. I know doomscrolling seems better than watching a Youtube video on how to solve a math equation, but even the simple act of watching or searching for a video like this can help you immensely and completely change the course of your grades. Do better, start trying, and stop judging yourself, allow yourself to look stupid sometimes, the humbling and embarrassment can still teach you valuable lessons. A second of embarrassment is a fair trade for an A or understanding what you’re being taught in class. I can say from experience that when I started to speak up I learned more, performed better in class, and stopped caring what others thought because that feeling of understanding and knowing I knew what to do, or how to do it was one of the best feelings. I love feeling that way and I continue to speak up so I can maintain that feeling of knowing I will succeed because I asked a question. 

In conclusion Spartans…  Stop being afraid, and do something about your grade.