Jessica R., a sophomore at the University of Buffalo in New York, walked into her first “Introduction to Philosophy” class to find some students zoned out, their faces glued to some form of technology. She also saw students intently listening to what the professor was saying; the only time their eyes would stray from the front of the classroom was to look down and take notes. “They weren’t just paying attention, but interested in what was being taught,” she says. “That’s probably why they weren’t distracted like the other [students].”
Whether it’s cell phones or private conversation, many things can distract you while in class. While that’s bound to happen from time to time, tuning in and paying attention can go a long way toward accomplishing your academic goals.
P.M. Forni, a professor at Johns Hopkins University in California, Maryland, directs a program called the Civility Initiative. In his 2008 article “The Civil Classroom in the Age of the Net,” Forni discusses how civility in higher education has been in a downward spiral in recent years, stating that many students don’t know how they are expected to behave in a classroom setting.
To help you out, here are some “Do’s and Don’ts” of classroom etiquette that go beyond simple manners and calling your professor “doctor” instead of “dude.”
Turn off your cell phone.
Turn it completely off, not just to vibrate.
Phones serve as a major distraction with text messages, apps, and social networking sites constantly tempting you. They also have the potential to interrupt the entire class if they ring during a lecture.
Vicki S., a junior at The Alamo Colleges in San Antonio, Texas, says, “If I have an urgent call and I have to take it, I offer an explanation to my professor to dispel any doubt about the necessity of the disruption, and leave the classroom, of course.”
Finish your homework and read ahead.
Semirah D., a senior at the Newman School in Boston, Massachusetts, finds that she’s more interested in class when she understands what the professor is lecturing about.“Readings aren’t only beneficial during tests and finals, but during lectures, too,” she says. “When I’m prepared, I get the chance to participate in the discussion and class time flies by.”
Avoid food distractions.
Rustling wrappers and the sound of chewing not only distract (and annoy) your classmates but you as well. It’s hard to take notes when there’s a burger in your hands.
Don’t sleep in class.
There’s no point showing up if you’re just going to snooze. It’s disrespectful and none of your classmates enjoy the sound of your snoring.
Don’t engage in private conversation or activity.
There’s another time and place for that. If you need to ask your neighbor for a pen, be sure to whisper.
“I find it rude when students are not paying attention. It’s also embarrassing when someone is caught and called out. Just don’t do it,” says Dylan E., a junior at Montclair State University in New Jersey.
Don’t show up late or leave early.
It’s disturbing to the class and you’ll miss out on valuable information. If an urgent commitment necessitates this kind of disruption, inform your professor ahead of time.
Don’t surf.
Keep browsers closed and only pertinent documents open. Laptops are an efficient way to take notes, but scrolling through social media feeds defeats the purpose.
If you use apps for note taking, let your professor know so you don’t seem distracted.
You may think you’re just a number in a room full of students, but professors notice what’s going on, even if they don’t address it. How you behave in the classroom may be reflected in your grade and can influence your professor’s willingness to provide a recommendation on your behalf.
Trina C., a sophomore at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, says, “Being engaged in class makes it much easier to form meaningful relationships with teachers. They have so much to offer and if they see you’re trying to learn, they’ll want to get to know you better.”
Claire H., a junior at Montgomery College in Maryland, says, “Think about how helpful this could be if you apply for a position within the department.”
Natalie Bell Cole, a professor at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, says that she notices when students are kind to their classmates. “It’s great to see when they’re respectful, for instance, encouraging [one another] and echoing some aspect of what others are saying to help out. Good manners like that really stand out.”
Following simple rules of classroom etiquette will help you succeed. After all, money is being spent on your schooling, so why not make the most of it?
Naomi Leanage is a senior studying journalism at the University of Guelph-Humber in Toronto, Canada.
Richard Cramer, an academic advisor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, suggests, “Don’t be shy when there’s an opportunity to offer comments or questions, and always make sure you’re asking questions that are relevant.”
As Claire H., a junior at Montgomery College in Maryland, cautions, “Be careful of time and turns. I try to hold back and give others a chance [to talk]. I once had a professor tell me I wasn’t allowed to answer any more questions!”
Cramer also suggests taking advantage of instructors’ office hours. He says, “Even once or twice during the semester to touch base and say hello. Make the professor aware that you’re really interested in the class.”
