When was the last time you purchased an item and after realizing it was damaged you "felt bad" or too shy to return it? Probably that rarely happens. Whether it is clothes, food or any other service, we all want to get the worth out of our investments.
In the same way, we must also expect quality learning from the investment we make in higher education. If we are paying top dollars and devoting years of our lives to learn and get trained, why do so many of us feel ashamed to speak up when we are struggling?
When it comes to classes, not understanding for prolonged time indicates a need for action. Personal agency can make a difference in any situation. Only we can take control of our learning and the outcome because only we can vocalize our needs.
It is not about antagonizing our professors or ignoring the inequities influencing our classroom experiences. Instead, it is about validating our needs while resisting a victim mentality that can easily paralyze us.
Start by fostering a clear line of communication with faculty who can support you in getting the most out of your educational investment regardless of the circumstances. Professors may not be able to change their teaching style to cater to every student, but they can work with you to find alternatives.
- Assess your learning experience frequently. After every class ask yourself what about the structure, materials or delivery is working and not working for you? What parts did you find confusing? What are things the professor did not do that could have improved your understanding? What could you have done differently before, during, and after class?
It's all about being proactive. We are our own best advocates and it's up to us to seek solutions or alternatives that enable us to meet our individual needs. There may be circumstances that seem out of our control. But even then, speaking up can improve the current situation or give us a different perspective that makes it more tolerable. Ready or not, go for it. The possibilities are worth the risk.