The importance of asking questions during your study course cannot be underestimated. Even the process of formulating a coherent and sensible question in itself is invaluable, even if you don’t get to ask it.
There are two aspects of asking questions that are important. The first has to do with taking control of your own learning. Because of the nature of lectures and classes, it’s all too easy to sit back and become a passive learner. But getting into the habit of asking questions (even if you don’t actually get to ask them!) changes that into a more active form of learning.
You won’t just sit there letting information wash over you and possibly losing most of it through inattention. Your concentration will be improved if you are continually evaluating what you hear, deciding if you understand it, and formulating questions about the parts that you don’t understand.
Get into this frame of mind and your attention and absorption of knowledge will vastly increase. The very act of putting a question together in your mind before you ask means that you have to think about the information, and decide where exactly you get lost, or what you need to know more about. Quite often this thought process will help you find the answer yourself half way through it and you won’t even have to ask! This will happen more often than not, because usually your lack of understanding comes from not having thought it through enough.
This last point is important. Just by trying to phrase your question clearly, you will find the answer yourself in a lot of cases!
And if you still need to know, your query will be more refined, you will know exactly what you want to know and you will be more likely to get the answer you need. Without the questioning mindset you will just have a vague feeling of confusion about the topic, and possibly find that you get more and more lost as the topic continues. This applies to your reading as well as to lectures.
Don’t be afraid to ask!
The second aspect of asking questions has to do with the actual interaction with the lecturer or tutor. If you are too shy to ask a question then this is all the more important for you.
Remember:
- The time you could waste trying to find an answer by yourself will slow down your progress in your studies.
- Your lecturer will almost always appreciate the fact that you are thinking for yourself and interested enough to take part in the class.
- Other students will benefit too, perhaps clarifying the lecture for them. Overall the learning process will be enriched. The benefits far outweigh the possible draw-backs.
So try it today. Even as an exercise in improving your confidence. Pick a question and challenge yourself to ask it. Do so quietly after a lecture if you feel you can’t yet do it in front of a class. And as your confidence builds push yourself to ask during the lecture itself.
If you would like to know more, download a free mini ebook on study at www.yourstudymentor.com to get you started.
Tags: asking questions, effective study skills, exams, grades, study, study skills, study success
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