Participating, in any way, can always be hard but, especially, in the classroom, is where there is really an issue. There has been some debate on whether or not participation in class should be mandatory.

Participation in class should not be mandatory because many students in class can be very shy and are afraid of being made fun of for saying the wrong thing or giving the wrong answer. This is why it is unfair to ask anyone to answer a question or give a comment when they are uncomfortable.

It also should not be mandatory because students may have a good grade in a class, but if the teacher has class participation as a part of their grade, and they don’t participate, it brings their grade down.

When students work so hard to get a good grade in a class it should not just be brought down because they do not participate.

Some students may even be quiet in class but are loud outside of school where they are more relaxed. Many others might not want to risk getting bullied or being embarrassed.

There might be some students who may not know an answer to a question they are being asked by a teacher. They may want to find out the answer out by listening to what others have to say, however they cannot do that if they are being called on when they do not want to be.

Students just should not be forced to participate because of all factors such as embarrassment or bullying that mandatory participation can cause. Also the fact that it can bring down your grade.