Why can't I ask questions?

Question

I don't know whats up with me but it seems like only in Math class, I never ask questions. I get shy and feel if I ask something so simple everyone will think I'm stupid. My sister always tells me never be afraid to ask questions. She aslo said, "sometimes you have the same question as someone else who is too afraid to ask" I'm naturally shy and not an expert in Math. I'm also thinking it might be because my Mom gets frustrated when I ask her questions when she is busy. My old math teacher could somehow read me and sense I didn't get something, but now I'm in high school and I shouldn't depend on that. What can I do? Do I need more Faith?

The weird thing is I ask questions in a lot of other classes! I'm comfortable with the teachers,then again the teachers I ask questions are girls. Am I just afraid of him or is it my shyness?

None of my friends were in that class too.

Answer 1

Try not to care so much about what others will think. Even if something is "simple", maybe just having it stated another way will help you "get it", and others who won't let on they don't understand either.
Try going to the teacher after class, and let her know that you might need some extra help. You're insightful about your mom too, try to ask her when she's not so busy, and let her know that you appreciate her help and knowledge.

Answer 2

Ask your question after class; the teacher will help you or suggest a way to help you and I'll bet they will say you should ask during class--because other people probably have the same question; do NOT get your feelings hurt ever from asking a question because I guarantee you that someone else has the same question and everyone has the same questions at some point--we all learned the same thing so we all have the same questions to get to the point where we learned it. IF you ever do ask a question in class and someone laughs at you, be prepared with this answer: Look towards them and say: If you think it's funny that I don't know the answer maybe the teacher will let you answer it in front of the class? The teacher may even agree to that and you won't get laughed at again. Remember, the really smart, successful people in life kept asking questions. The ones who didn't work at Burger King on the grill. If you ask enough questions then your new teacher may sense when you need help once they get to know you. And teachers are paid to help and are there to help--mom's aren't, so don't be afraid of your teachers. If one won't help you go to the guidance counselor; they really will help you. Good luck and keep asking questions!

Answer 3

What you are feeling is normal, but your fear of asking questions is only hurting you. Take a chance occassionally, ask a question and see what happens. Once you do it once or twice and see that the ceiling doesn't fall on your head or anything it gets easier.

Another option is to ask the teacher if you can get help after class or find a tutor.

Math may never be your best subject, but if you can do well in it then it will help you pursue a lot of opportunities in the future.

It's okay to be shy,but you are there to learn and you have as much right to ask questions as anyone else.

Answer 4

There aren't any stupid questions. You ask questions to learn. That is what you are there for. There may be someone else who has the same question but is afraid to ask for the same reason as you. If you take notice, it's the smarter kids who ask questions. So ask those questions! Pretend like you are taking lessons in something (math, here) & it is just you & the teacher. Who cares what anyone else thinks. You can learn it & not have any doubt.

Answer 5

What your sister says is very wise. I've always been very shy, but as I've grown older I've become more used to speaking out, and one of the things that has helped is by thinking about other people and realising that if I don't speak in a particular situation, other people will lose out too.

Lots of people find maths difficult. I bet there will be others who will be glad you asked. Also, if you don't ask about things you don't know, and just try to muddle along without really understanding, it will get harder and harder to follow the subject and you'll feel more frustrated. Your teacher is there to help you understand the subject - but they need you to tell them how they can help you.

You can always ask questions here - there's a Homework Help category.

Answer 6

I have the same problem. If I have a question, I often just let it go. I usually figure it out eventually. But if it really bugs you maybe you can ask the teacher after class. If you try it once, maybe you'll be able to determine if the teacher gets frustrated when students ask questions.

Answer 7

You know the only stupid question is the one that someone did not ask. Actually it is smart to ask questions so you learn. I know it is hard with peer pressure and people making fun of people. But down the line those people will not matter. Whenever you are shy just think ahead 10 years and imagine what those people will be doing and how cool of a job you will have because you did ask questions and got smarter...

If they make fun of you simply answer them that smart people ask questions and get smarter, dumb people are too stupid to ask questions and because you do forget stuff they only get dumber...


I used to be intimidated but forced myself to ask questions the so called popular people in my class:
1. the cool dude works as a vendor door to door because he is a drunk now( nothing wrong with vendors ok)
2. The cool chick - she is fat (nothing wrong with fat people) but she used to make fun of big people.
3. Another popular girl hardly has any friends left because people simply grew up.

Good luck. Also if you are really embarassed in class ask you teacher if you can write down questions during class and ask them after class...

Answer 8

You just have to bite the bullet and ask....I had trouble in math during highschool, once we started doing Algebra, I was lost...It turns out that because I had failed to learn fractions and long division properly in grade school, I was unable to do the Algebra. I was like you and never wanted to ask, but during highschool, after failing Algebra 1, I had to start asking, and you know what, lot's of people including other kids will want to help. Good luck

Answer 9

alot of people have this same fear, but a good way to look at it is: The only stupid Question is the ones that are not asked. Dont be afraid to ask it and if I can help you with the question ask me I took Trig in HS

Answer 10

I know how u feel I'm shy to and Math and Foreign Languages r my worst subjects. But u should really should build up your confindance to ask questions. And if u can't do it right away ask some after class but u can't do that forever.