Well, it's back to school in just a few weeks. Are you ready? Whether you are a teacher or a student you are probably having mixed feelings. Summer is never long enough and yet at the same time, it's too long.

So, how are you going to start the school year? Hopefully, with a great amount of excitement! Both teachers and students hold responsibility here. So often, students want to put the responsibility on the teacher... and vice versa.

There are many articles written to help the teacher make the class enthusiastic. This article focuses on looking at the situation from the student's perspective. The atmosphere of the classroom depends on the students' attitudes as much as the teacher's.

I saw a poster one time that really said it all. It listed the items each student needed to bring to class... writing utensil, books, and paper. But it added one more item that students often don't think about. It advised students to come into class with "an open mind."

Now, I am not suggesting that students should accept everything the teacher says, or even the text book. But I am suggesting students should be open to consider everything that is taught. There is as much danger in just accepting what is taught as there is in not accepting anything.

Here's a suggestion. Try really listening to what is being said in your classroom. Look at what the text book says. Listen to what the teacher presents and offer arguments if you disagree. Again, I am not suggesting disrespect. There is a way to present arguments without being disrespectful. You will be surprised at what will happen to the atmosphere in the classroom when you become involved.

There are several respectful ways to address your disagreement.

Be informed. Know why you disagree. Don't argue for the sake of argument, this just makes you look bad.
Raise your hand. Even though you may feel very forceful or emotional about your argument, don't just blurt out. This may result in a discipline action. Get your teacher's attention before making your statement.
Be prepared. This requires homework. The best possible way to do that is to read the chapter ahead of time. Know what the text says before you walk into class.
Have references to back up your arguments. Be able to quote or know where to go to get information to back up your arguments.
Be quiet. After you present your argument, be quiet. Allow your teacher to answer. You may be surprised to find out he/she actually agrees with you and not the text book. He/She may be able to help better prepare your next presentation.

On the flip side, maybe you don't have a disagreement with the text. If you have pre-read the chapter you may be able to give input into the teacher's lecture. The text may bring out points that you actually agree with or maybe the subject is one you find interesting. Don't be afraid to comment on the positive side in class. As a reminder, do it respectfully.

Class is much more enjoyable when you participate. Becoming actively involved in your education is the best way to keep a good attitude. In fact, if you become actively involved you will be surprised at how interesting the class becomes. Even the dullest lecture can be interesting.

Although, it is true that a teacher can stymie your discussion, most often he/she won't. Most teachers do not want a boring class. Most often, a teacher finds it necessary to stop a discussion when it is out of hand.

Here are few tips to keep the teacher on your side.

Raise your hand. Don't blurt out, regardless of whether your point is for or against what is being said.
Make a point. Have a valid reason for raising your hand. Don't talk just to talk.
Keep it short. Don't take more than 1 or 2 minutes to make your point. You will be surprised how long that really is.
Be quiet. Once you have made you point stop. Allow someone else the opportunity to speak.

Surprisingly enough, if you look at points on conversation, you will see the same points again. No matter what the subject keep these points in mind. These will keep you out of trouble, class interesting, and life relatively simple.

Here's to a great school year! Get actively involved. Show the world what you're made of and enjoy life. Remember, you only get one chance at life. Take it!

Cheryl Koonce has taught science and math to grades 5 - 12 for the last 19 years. She has looked for exciting ways to teach her students. One of her favorites lines comes from "The Magic School Bus." "Go ahead take chances, get dirty." She frequently makes this comment to her students during class. In response her students are not afraid to learn and accept the challenge willingly. They enjoy the investigations they embark on and look to find answers to new problems.

To view some of her lesson plans go to http://www.greenhouseland.com She will be demonstrating greenhouse lessons in her workshop.

Please, leave comments or ask questions.