Dialectical Tensions

A couple weeks ago, we discussed how tensions within the classroom effects other's ability to participate and feel. It really seemed like the whole class was quite engaged in the topic. For me, I feel that I sometimes I raise my hand way too much. It blocks other's abilities to actually participate. But, when no-one says something or even tries to raise there hand when the professor asks us a question, I feel like we shouldn't just leave her hanging. That's when I raise my hand and try to make an educated guess, or a truthful response. As of recent, I have been trying to keep my hand down much more than what I did in the beginning of the semester. After reading the article, it made me realize that everyone has their own ways of learning and participating. The article stated that sometimes, students feel that they should shy away form answering questions because other's will automatically do it for them. The ones who are prominently always raising their hands, makes it harder for the ones who feel they have an answer, but don't want to share. This also effects their ability to participate in other classes, as well as in life situations. One thing that I found most interesting in the class discussion, was: who should take control of someone blurting out and making it hard for others to pay attention. The professor or the students? I felt the students should be able to tell other classmates how they feel. we're all grown adults, this isn't high school anymore. we don't have our professors holding our hands. It should be up to us to make those decisions and how we should deal with it. Granted the professor should have power over us, but we should be able to speak our mind, and be respectful to our fellow peers as well.