LINDSEY BOERMA
Living Assistant
You know the routine — go to class, take out your laptop, sign on to instant messenger, beat your high score in solitaire and whatever you do. All of this is to avoid the meaningless murmurs of that babbling teacher at the front of the classroom. They can’t know much; they’re only college professors. But with some of them banning these boredom-crushing laptops in class, it’s tricky to pass the time. Well, here’s a guide that will help you pay attention in class. It will save you from getting stuck in a seemingly bottomless pit of boredom, as well as keeping you on your toes for that upcoming test.
Step One: Choose Wisely
So you know that dreaded class taught by that infamous teacher who you never seem to stop hearing horror stories about? Here’s a word of advice — don’t take it. Unless it is a class taught by only one teacher who you absolutely have to take for your major, avoid it like Lionel the leprosy boy. Look at it this way. If you despise one of the classes you are taking for your major, maybe it’s time to reconsider that major. If it’s only a general education course, then more likely than not, there are several teachers from whom to choose. Use your resources like ratemyprofessor.com. Students have more than just word-of-mouth from which to base their decisions. If you are in a class you find interesting with a teacher you enjoy, paying attention may even come naturally.
Step Two: Ban Distractions
We all have them. Friends who seem to excel at nothing more than chatting it up during class, laptops with an endless abyss of games and, of course, the beautiful Internet, and notebooks with empty pages for deadline. Distractions are all around us, and they seem to be ever more tempting in class. While getting rid of these distractions may prove to be quite the burden, it is certainly not impossible. Don’t sit next to the distracting friend. Keep laptops out of class, even those in which they are permitted. While you will need a notebook to take notes, remember the value of self-control. It may help is to write down virtually everything the teacher says. Not only will it keep you occupied, but it will make test time a lot less stressful.
Step Three: Save Your Sanity
Just because class isn’t a cheery carnival filled with clowns and women with facial hair, doesn’t mean that it can’t be fun. So stop putting yourself through the agony. I’m not talking about skipping class. I’m referring to the mindset that students have of class being about as much fun as stripping the bark off the General Sherman Tree (the largest tree in the world, for those of you who aren’t up-to-date). While going to class will probably never be your favorite thing to do, it certainly doesn’t have to be dreaded. Many students would be surprised at how interesting a subject can be if they just pay attention.
Step Four: Rewards are Key
The “action” that you can perform is paying attention in class, taking notes and walking out better informed than when you walked in. If you can look at your notes or think back on the class and recall the lecture or discussion, then do something for yourself that you wouldn’t normally do. Since you are probably an empty-pocketed college student, don’t scamper off and empty your bank account. Instead, buy yourself one of those enormous chocolate chip cookies in the cafeteria or go to the Health Center and get a massage. Treat yourself to anything that will bribe you into paying attention.
Step Five: Develop Superpowers
It would be much easier if we had the ability to memorize everything we heard as well as if we could pay attention and take notes with one side of our body while the other side completely dazed off. Well, we can’t. So, unless you’re some kind of superhero, you’re going to have to stick with the first four steps. As a consolation, a lot of learning skills are enhanced through usage, so don’t lose hope yet. Maybe you can hone your amazing learning abilities until they become superpowers. Hey, just because you pay attention doesn’t mean you can’t dream.
Submitted 02-22-2007