My Life: Blog Form

Education is what college is all about. Students arrive at colleges and universities to further their education in a field of their choice. Classes are chosen based on what the student is wishing to study, enabling them to further their studies in the subject area they are interested in. Attendance and class participation are two key components of education because they show professors that students are truly interested in learning and completing their education. Without having a student’s attendance and class participation combined with their overall score, students wouldn’t have the incentive to attend class and to participate in discussions or to do the necessary out of class reading that professors request.

From my past experiences, I have come to realize that class participation and attendance are very important to my success. It is very important to utilize the books and materials we have spent money on to prepare for class; but, it is even more important that we actually show up for class. Showing up to class without prior knowledge of the topic on hand is useless. Students are confused, they haven’t the slightest clue of what is being discussed, and it is almost like they are not even attending. Using the materials purchased and the resource on hand, as well as attending class allows students to further their knowledge and obtain a greater insight of what they are learning.

As professors begin to introduce students to the class during the first lecture, they normally hand out a syllabus explaining the rules, procedures, grading policy, and expectations of the students. The majority of professors utilize attendance as a factor in determining a student’s final grade. Understanding that attendance to a class is partly responsible for the final grade, a student is more likely to show up to class. Knowing that missing a class or lecture could cause the final grade to drop is enough incentive for me to attend class daily and make every attempt possible to not miss a class, no matter what the circumstance may be.

Knowledge of a subject is valuable when attending class. Reading before a lecture begins to gain further understanding of the topic on hand is an important factor of comprehending what the professor is lecturing on. Class participation is an excellent way to add points on to the final grade of a class. It is a wonderful feeling to know that I understand what the professor is lecturing about because I took the time to read before class and gain comprehension of what is being discussed in future lectures. Having class participation as a part of the final grade is enough of a reason for me to know that I will need to do out of class reading, almost as if it were homework.

Being able to make the appropriate grade or grade point average in college is very important to students; at least it is very important to me. By having the incentive of knowing that my final grade is based on my attendance to class and my class participation, I am more likely to show up to class and to read outside of class to be able to discuss the topic on hand. Professors enjoy knowing that their students have some knowledge of what is going on in the class. If a student does not show up for class or is not prepared for class, chances are the student is not doing their part to stay in college.

College is based on academic success. There may be parties, extra-curricular activities, and sports, but students attend college to further their knowledge. Missing class or not being prepared for class makes a professor’s job much more difficult, causing them to take time from the lecture to explain what students were supposed to read. Interacting through class participation is a wise decision for students, enabling them to discuss the topic and see other views on the subject. Without attendance, students would not be able to see other students’ views on the subject and would only have a single perspective, rather than seeing the entire picture.

Factoring in attendance and class participation on a student’s final grade is an exemplary way to persuade students to come to class. Missing class or not speaking up is not helping a student express their opinions or comprehend the subject. Past experiences and current experiences have helped me realize that it is crucial to have those two aspects factored in to the final grade. Professor’s have the final say in a student’s grade, so showing them that attendance and participation in class lectures has caused you to gain knowledge and insight in the subject can make them proud, help you to achieve a better grade, but most importantly benefit your knowledge and educational success.