Q&A for How to Not Get Called on in Class

Teachers might choose students who seem like they clearly know the answer and are eager to talk. They might also pick students who seem like they were not paying attention in class or distracted by something else. Sometimes teachers will choose students who rarely talk to get them to participate.

If you were not paying attention and then get called on, do your best to make an educated guess about the topic. You can also be honest and say, "I am sorry. I was not paying attention," and then make sure to pay attention the rest of the class. Coming to class prepared and focusing on your teacher will make answering question easier if avoiding getting called on does not work.

Try not to be nervous about being in the front. Try to make an educated guess or be honest and say you are sorry but you were not paying attention.

This might be hard, as many teachers call on students who they see as class clowns. Try to answer easy questions you know and avoid eye contact with the teacher. If you get called on and don't know the answer, just be honest about it.

If you get called on my a mean teacher and you don't know the answer, the best thing to do is take your best guess and act smart and confident. As long as you act confidently, this should work.

If the teacher calls on students randomly, you will probably want to be prepared for class. Do your homework and pay attention in class, so when you do get called on you will more likely know the answer.

Just take a deep breath and do your best to answer or do whatever the teacher wants you to do. Remember that most people don't like getting called on in class, and nobody is going to laugh at you if you make a mistake (most likely). Keep telling yourself that it's not a big deal, because it isn't!

Try to do other tactics to avoid getting called on. You can try to blend into the classroom by choosing a good seat to sit in and avoiding eye contact with your teacher. Try to look confident and answer questions when you do know the answer.

Ask the teacher if you can move your seat, or just ignore those people.

Try the suggested tips. If nothing is working, maybe speak to your teacher about your anxiety. Many teachers will make an effort to help you.

Give the impression that you're paying attention by facing forward and taking good notes. That way, the teacher will think you're taking everything in and might be more likely to call on someone else. If your grades in the class are a little low, try raising them.