That's What You Think: Class Participation

Published 02.27.01 in The Heights, Boston College


By Annie Barrett

It never fails. You scan the syllabus, searching for those two dreaded words and there they are: “Class Participation, 20%.”

Some of the most amusing and, in many cases, agonizing moments of class are spent witnessing the different breeds of Class Participators (CPs), some of which are outlined below.


The Hyper-Zealous CP

These are by far the most visible and vocal CPs. They scatter throughout the campus, typically two or three per class, enrollment pending. The hyper-zealous CP establishes him or herself early and loudly and things only get worse from day one. Extraneous books, wild hand gestures, and extravagant pen waving are all characteristic of this ambitious strain of students.

CP: I’d have to say that the form reflects content, especially on pages 142, 211 and, finally, 912.

You: That’s not even a page. Do you do this just to hear yourself speak?

CP: Clearly, the metaphors carry throughout the entire novel. I revel in the sound of my own voice. Listen to me. I am exquisite.


The Relating Other Works CP

These kids are just obnoxious, as they stick it to you that not only have they read today’s material, but actually remember, and excessively refer to, past readings.

CP: We’d be fools not to see the correlations to this novel found in Gatsby. I’m too cool for the whole title.

You: You’re calling me a fool?

CP: But why stop there? Certainly Scott was influenced by (author who certainly influenced Fitzgerald) …

You: No, really, stop there. "Scott?" Who are you kidding?


The Instant Replay CP

A surefire way to rack up those participation checkmarks without doing any actual thinking, the Instant Replay will irritate professors as well as classmates.

Professor: We definitely need to consider the racial undertones of the book’s language.

CP: Okay, so … are you saying we should be on the lookout for implications of race throughout the novel?

Professor: (long pause) Yeah. I said that out loud, right? Who is this kid?

You: Help.


Of course, just as fun, and a little more proactive for all you non-CPs are the Class Participation Reactions (CPRs).


The Super Stare CPR

Anyone can try this, but few manage to master its subtleties. Pick out your class nemesis – the most flamboyant CP around – and stare him or her down heavily each time he or she begins to wax philosophical.

The Super Stare works best in a reclined slump, with arms crossed across the chest and the head bowed down to create that intentional, but not too obvious, eye roll. After years of grueling training, TWYT has perfected this pose (see photo).

Positives: The CP will notice; classmates will be amused. Negatives: Mild back pain, inevitable snobbish, holier-than-thou appearance.


The Seductive Show CPR

This one is fairly self-explanatory. Be sure to snag a seat directly in your least favorite CP’s view. Effectiveness of routines is based on creativity and delivery.

TWYT suggests raising eyebrows in series of three, winking on the sly and blowing kisses (though studies have proven the “air kiss” – performed by a mere pursing and releasing of the lips – takes less energy and is just as effective).

Bolder souls who think they’re up for the Striptease CPR – an NC-17 rated extension of the Seductive Show CPR – should wear multiple layers of clothing so as not to reveal “too much.” The CP’s speech will falter as he or she reels from your performance. Extra points awarded if the CP shuts up completely.


Due to both space and time constraints, TWYT offers no further CPRs, but does encourage liberal amounts of improvisation in the CPR area.

TWYT would like to add, in case her professors read this, that she doesn’t believe in what she writes and thinks class participation is just the tops.

Go forth and participate ... at your own risk.

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