Self-assessment for class participation

It is the first time in my graduate school experience that professor asked us to submit a self-assessment for class participation.

When we talk about class participation, we refer to the discussion in the class. Yet, in my opinion, class participation should not be defined or limited to class verbal discussion; all the non-verbal activities in the course should be included such as readings, assignments, chats, and students' individual blogs. Those non-verbal dialogs among students and instructors are the vital elements of learning communications. When assessing an individual's class participation for a course, all the verbal and non-verbal participation should be included.