In a lot of classrooms across the U.S., raising your hand can help raise your grade. In many schools, students are graded on how often they participate in class.
Some teachers say class participation can show them how well students understand the material being taught. Plus, they point out that answering questions in class can help boost kids’ confidence and help them develop stronger conversation skills.
However, not everyone thinks it’s fair to gives grades for class participation. Some people think it puts too much pressure on kids. They argue that some kids might speak up just to get a better grade, not because they have something meaningful to say. Others point out that quieter students might actually be more focused and pay closer attention than their more talkative classmates.