How To: Raise Your Hand In Class

You asked for it, and I said no. You asked again, and I said sure. But never intended to keep that promise. I was asked yet again, so here I am, finally giving in. The first in this series was How To: Say Goodbye.

There are many different reasons why one would raise their hand in class. And for each of these reasons, there is a different way to raise your hand. You should realize this, and learn the techniques. I am here to equip you for your future.

When you just need permission to go to the bathroom

I think once you reach like, grade 11 teachers stop requiring you to ask permission to leave the classroom. So for nostalgia's sake, let's review.

The teacher (or classroom assistant) should be able to sense the urgency. My research indicates that a wide open hand with straight, separated fingers best conveys the time deadline. However, a straight arm usually connotes a keenness to answer a question. Do not be mistaken for a keener.

The shoulder angle should be 90 degrees. The elbow angle should be acute, but large enough such that your hand is higher than your head. Any teacher knows what these geometric conditions indicate: bathroom time.

Your countenance should also serve to convey urgency. A grimace is often useful, as is a raised eye brow "omg you won't even believe what's about to happen if you don't give me permission to run to the bathroom" sort of look.

Special Cases: In French class, most French teachers require you to ask in French. Nobody ever really does. So even if you speak out without being called on, if you ask in French you will probably be excused. Just interrupt the lesson by saying "Est-ce que je suis aller a la toilettes, s'il vous plait?". What I just wrote doesn't make any sense, but personal experience tells me what as long as you're not speaking English, and if you say "toilettes" instead of "toilets", they'll give you A for effort and you won't get in trouble for not raising your hand.

When your arm gets tired

An elevated arm leads to blood drainage in the fingers. Common sense.

There are 3 ways to deal with this:

One can rotate which arm is raised (most efficient switching frequency is every 25.6 seconds)

One can rest their arm on their head. Do to this, start from fully extended vertical arm. Bend at the elbow until forearm is resting on top of head.

One can move the arm to a more horizontal position (approximately 10 degrees from horizontal) and use the other arm to support it. For example, position your left arm on the table as if you're going to arm wrestle somebody. Then place your right elbow in your left hand. Your right hand can go limp while the teacher is writing on the board, but as soon as they turn around make sur to raise your hand (just from the wrist, the rest of the arm remains horizontal)

When you actually know the answer

We all want people to realize our brilliance, right? And what better way to showcase your knowledge than by answering a question in class?

It is a rookie's mistake to raise the hand as high as it goes, hold the breath, and look expectant. It is a loser's mistake to raise both hands in hopes of attracting attention.

No, if you want a surefire way to get picked, raise your hand hesitantly. Your body language should say "I might know the answer, but even if I don't, it'll be a good learning experience for me." Be sure to keep this attitude when actually answering or else the teacher will catch on to your rue straight away. Put a question mark at the end of each answer: "x squared minus 6, um... all squared?", "Is it... Hudson Bay?"


And there you have it. Three key techniques to take with you to your next lecture. Next time we'll talk about how to get extensions on assignments. It's going to be more of a workshop than a lecture- so don't forget to bring your girl card!