CMST 2010 Chapter : Chapter 3 Forum Discussion
During the previous school year, I would frequently undergo long periods
of anxiety because one of my majors requires me to frequently interact
with people whom I don't know and am not at all familiar with; this is
otherwise known as communication apprehension. One of my majors is
Spanish, and in each class, a large portion of any given grade includes the
weight of participation points. This includes not only attendance, but a
student's willingness to speak up in class, as well. I despise having to work
with a partner to find answers to exercises for a language in which I do not
feel I can adequately speak quite yet. This results in knots in my stomach
before every class because I have a fear of having the wrong answer,
either in front of my partner, the professor, or the whole room. However,
the participation points weren't going to go anywhere, so I knew that since I
couldn't eliminate my fear of socializing in the class, I would have to at
least come up with a probable solution.
After the first few weeks of my second semester of Spanish, I spoke with
my professor regarding my apprehension in class and requested any
advice or pointers he could provide that may alleviate some of my anxiety.
As it turns out, there are tutors available on campus, on a routine basis,
ready to help students who are experiencing any trouble with Spanish
courses in which they are enrolled. I immediately shifted my work schedule
around to accommodate the tutoring hours that were offered. After about
two weeks of tutoring me in relaying Spanish vocally, I became more
confident in the class; my self-esteem was held at a higher level in that
class than the previous course. I was more willing to provide answers to
both my partner and the entirety of the class. By seeking a solution to my
communication apprehension, I overcame it and gained self-esteem in the
process. I no longer care to sit in the back of the class and keep quiet; I
like to participate and further my learning in my culture-invested major.
Document Summary
Spanish, and in each class, a large portion of any given grade includes the weight of participation points. This includes not only attendance, but a student"s willingness to speak up in class, as well. I despise having to work with a partner to find answers to exercises for a language in which i do not feel i can adequately speak quite yet. This results in knots in my stomach before every class because i have a fear of having the wrong answer, either in front of my partner, the professor, or the whole room. However, the participation points weren"t going to go anywhere, so i knew that since i couldn"t eliminate my fear of socializing in the class, i would have to at least come up with a probable solution.
