Have trouble asking for help

I am way behind on my work for one class. I simply don't understand the material. But I'm afraid to ask for help (in person) because:

1. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be asking.

2. Being the only one in the class who doesn't understand what's going on is not a new experience for me: in fact, it's pretty normal.

3. In past experiences, I've learned that there's no point in asking for help because, unless I can prove I've been laboring over the material every second of every day, I'll be accused of "not trying hard enough." For me, asking for help usually results in me being scolded that if I were a "good" student I would know how to do my assignments.

I finally asked for help this week, but now I'm worried my teacher thinks I've been goofing off instead of paying attention to his lessons.

I think sharing that you simply don't understand the material would be enough to cancel all the other worries you are having. you can share you were embarrassed to ask for help. just be honest

Can you pinpoint exactly what part is confusing? If not, can you identify the spot where it stopped making sense? You don't know that you aren't the only one in the class who is struggling. The fear of being the only one shouldn't be the reason why you don't ask for help. You don't need to prove that you are a good student. Explain to your teacher that you've been trying to do the assignments and are just completely lost. Approach it with an attitude that you are ready to learn and will do whatever it takes, for instance, "I've been struggling with some of the material and I was wondering if I could meet with you sometime one on one to talk about a plan for how I can catch up. What time is good for you?" Then when you actually meet, express your concerns and desire to learn the material, ask if he/she has any tips for you, etc. Then schedule a follow up meeting to discuss how it went.

In my experience, teacher will be a lot more open to helping you if you approach them on your own terms and are committed to learning. A lot of teachers look for that initiative. Good luck!

You could find your teacher when he is at his most vulnerable. Then start firing questions until he gives you an A to make you stop. jk.

Seriously though your teacher is your best bet. You most likely aren't the first and only student that doesn't understand the material. And if you're too nervous to ask your teacher, then perhaps you could try researching about it.

Personally, I resent my teachers so I'm always creating my own bad luck with my studies lol but researching and reading books really helped me out/

Is there a tutoring center at your school? Perhaps hearing the lesson explained in a different way would help. Also, you would have the undivided attention of the tutor and can ask questions as they pop into your head.