Did I do the right thing by speaking up in class?
​
I’m a college student and recently I suggested a classroom learning idea to my professor.
The idea was that students could study a topic beforehand, and then some class time could be used for discussion, participation and short student presentations. My main goal was to improve communication, public speaking and practical learning, rather than focusing only on marks.
I’m one of the top students in my class, and I genuinely feel that college should help us develop these skills too.
What happened
At the end of class, my professor was taking attendance. Two sections were combined, so quite a few students were around.
I suddenly said, “Ma’am, I need to talk to you for a minute.” She asked me to continue, but I said I wanted to talk privately.
I went outside and tried twice to find a private moment, but it didn't happen. I was extremely nervous, my heart was racing, and I was seriously considering just dropping the idea.
Then I thought, “I've already approached her twice. I have to say it now.”
So I explained the whole idea in front of the few students who were still around.
She listened, although I don't think she understood the exact model I had imagined. I also told her that many students hesitate to speak and that this could help with presentations and communication.
She said we could perhaps do something like this in the last 5–10 minutes of class, so she basically accepted the concept, although not exactly in the form I had imagined.
Now I'm worried about the reaction
Three guys who were around me afterwards heard the conversation, and the information has already spread.
I know that once the activity actually starts, everyone will probably figure out that I suggested it.
My concern is that some students—especially those who aren't interested in this kind of participation or skill development—might blame me:
“Why did you have to suggest this?”
I obviously can't go around explaining my reasoning to 70 people individually.
One of my classmates actually told me, “You're the class topper, you think differently from most of us,” and after I explained my reasoning, he agreed that communication and presentation skills will be useful later.
But I still can't stop worrying about the negative reaction.
So I want an honest opinion:
Did I do the right thing by speaking up despite the awkward situation and the possibility of being blamed?
Would you have said something in that situation, or waited for a better opportunity?
And now that I've already done it, how should I deal with it if some classmates actually blame me?
I’m especially interested in opinions from people who have been in similar college/classroom situations.