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How do I ask questions in class if I'm shy?

Alicia Oglesby
Professional School Counselor
Alicia Oglesby is a Professional School Counselor and the Director of School and College Counseling at Bishop McNamara High School outside of Washington DC. With over ten years of experience in counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. She also studied Race and Mental Health at Virginia Tech. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events.

Alicia Oglesby

Professional School Counselor

Expert Answer

Sometimes, it can help to let the teacher know you need extra encouragement to ask questions. Teachers can call on a few students, you included, to invite you to ask questions. Being shy is a gift and students should embrace their shyness. Everyone can’t be an extrovert. If during class is too awkward a time to ask questions, wait until after class to quickly ask your teacher one question each class. Just let your teacher know this is the method you prefer.

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Question

How do I ask questions in class if I am very shy?

Community Answer

Know that someone else probably has the same question, but is also too shy to ask. Not only will you get clarification, others may be relieved that they don't have to ask.

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Question

What do I do if my teacher has thoroughly explained something several times and is getting kinda grumpy and other students are already confidently doing their work?

Allison H

Community Answer

Tell your teacher calmly after class that you don't understand. Try to tell him/her what you don't understand clearly. For example, if you have a question about homework, instead of saying "I don't understand" say, (your teacher's name), I don't understand question 8, could you please explain it to me again? Thanks!".

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Question

What if you have really bad anxiety and you don't know when to ask and it's also hard for you to get the courage to ask?

Allison H

Community Answer

If you want to ask in class, practice asking in front of a mirror on in your head. If you want to ask in an e-mail (this is the easier way since there's no such thing as a wrong time) make sure that you use proper grammar and no spelling errors, then force yourself to send it. Typing "thank you" or "thanks" at the end is a good and respectful way to end your e-mail.

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Question

What do I do if there's lots of students in the class, of both genders and you're too afraid that once you ask a question, you'll feel as though 36 students' eyes are all on you?

Foxy Moon

Community Answer

Imagine that your in a peaceful place, like the park that you love, and imagine your next to your teacher, then be free and ask the question- "What is photosynthesis" and listen nicely. If you didn't understand, ask again- " I'm sorry I didn't understand, can you please repeat that?"

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