Class Participation- 4th Quarter

Throughout the 4th quarter of freshman year, I have been a very good participant in English class.  I consistently come to class prepared with everything I need, such as my notebook, writing utensils, homework and anything we are working on in class.  I always wait to be dismissed, and never pack up before Dr. D allows us to.  First semester, I wasn't very good about using my time between classes to go to the bathroom and to my locker, but I have definitely improved on that this semester.  If I ever have a question about something, I never hesitate to email Dr. D, using appropriate email format and etiquette.  I check the website at least once a day, if not more, so I know what is coming up in class.  I am very good about turning in assignments at the beginning of class on the day they are due, because you loose points for every day it is late, and it is never good to throw away points.  I have a positive attitude in class and cooperate with the teacher and my peers.

It is rare when I don't have a lot to say in whole class class discussions, because usually I am a very active participant in them.  I contribute helpful comments in the discussions, and try not to get the class of topic by saying something irrelevant.  When Dr. D is saying something important, or anything that could possibly show up somewhere on a test, I write it down.  It is definitely a clue that taking notes would be a good idea when she writes things on the board.  In the past, I have struggled a little with engaging in side conversations, but I've been working on it.  But, sometimes it can become difficult not to make a comment to your friends when something funny happens when we're acting out Macbeth or something like that.

My feelings about individual and group work are very different.  When I am working on something by myself, I get a lot more done than if I were in a group because there are no distractions.  I am always more focused and it is much easier to concentrate on the assignment.  I rarely ever get off task when I work individually.  In group work however, I feel like I spend more time saying "okay guys we really have to get some work done" than actually getting work done!  I am usually the one who tries to keep everyone focused, which can get annoying after a while.  I don't like when I do all the work and other people get credit for doing nothing.  I don't distract others when we do individual or group work because I want to get my work done so it doesn't pile up.  I follow instructions and always try my best.

I think my participation in English class has been very good throughout the entire year, but I definitely did my best to really engage myself and finish out strong in the 4th quarter.  Usually when school is coming to an end is when I start to slack off and get lazy because I am so excited for summer.  But, this year during the last quarter, I have been more motivated than ever.  I think that it may have something to do with the fact that exams are coming up, and I am trying to keep my quarter grades high so they won't be as stressful.  I haven't really noticed a change in my participation this year; it has been pretty consistent all year.  Next year as a sophomore, I will use some of the same strategies I used this year in English class to be successful in all of my classes!