Is it possible for a student
to be successful in a course if, as questions form, no questions are asked? The
answer is obvious. Having questions is a natural part of learning and if
learning is to proceed successfully, then questions which occur must be asked
and answered.
It is natural, also, for many students to believe
that when they have questions, especially questions which slow their learning, that they are the only ones who have the questions
they do. Learning is an individual and very private activity. As you study and
attempt to analyze and synthesize concepts and ideas, only you yourself are
aware of the time and effort you give to the task of learning. Only you
yourself are aware of what you know and what you have difficulty understanding.
Often when students are in class and questions arise from the material being
presented the tendency is to wait for someone else in class to ask the
question. Why? Well, most students feel
that by asking questions they reveal their ignorance not only to their
instructor, but also to their classmates. But with many students thinking this
way, it is not unusual for the question to go unasked and, hence, unanswered.
In this case everyone in class loses out on a chance to learn, to understand,
or, at the very least, to have a point clarified. Asking questions takes a
little courage, but the payoff is well worth it.