At first, your classes will seem like those in college - you'll study and learn an existing body of knowledge. As you progress in your graduate work, most of your learning will come through a series of formal and informal exchanges in which others, both faculty and peers, will challenge and test your ideas. As your research progresses, you will be expected to share and discuss your findings with others. If you haven't already encountered questioning of this sort, imagine how novice lawyers are trained. Although the questioning may be intense, the professor is really trying to test the student's analytical, reasoning, and communication skills.
Many women perceive insistent questioning as harsh and negative, or as a personal attack.
They may feel particularly uncomfortable with situations in which their understanding is continually challenged. By asking questions and continually challenging their reasoning, many women feel that a professor is commenting on their intelligence or worthiness as graduate students. Although some women can positively respond to learning through critique, many internalized the criticism. Conversely, professors may believe that they are pushing a student to explore new areas and to think independently. Although you are learning to test and evaluate your own ideas, there are very few rules to guide your progress.