"You Always Take a Picture on Your First Day of School" by Alison Faith, courtesy of Flickr.com/Creative Commons.
This article by reporter Audrey Gomez appeared in the first Fall Term edition of The Commuter.
By Audrey Gomez
Not that we shouldn’t all know this by the time we enter the college classroom, but just in case …
Be prepared: Do required reading before class. You’ll be able to contribute to the discussion that way; and be able to get clarification on the subject if you need it.
Be punctual: Be on time and stay until the end (unless you’ve made prior arrangements with the instructor). Coming in late or gathering your things and opening and closing the door in the middle of a lecture disrupts the classroom environment.
Turn cell phones off: It is not funny when your Eminem ringtone goes off in the middle of class.
Turn laptops off: Unless it is necessary for the class, nobody is going to think you are actually doing something class related.
Participate respectfully: Participation enhances the environment for everyone. Don’t cut off your classmates mid-sentence, but do respond. It is OK to respectfully disagree on a point – that’s what learning is all about.
Ask questions: Instructors are here to answer your questions and to help you find the answers if she or he does not know. This is why you are paying to come to school. To learn.
Listen: Not every instructor is going to inspire you. Pay attention anyway. It is good practice for life, because not everyone exists for the purpose of entertaining you.
Essentially, just have consideration for those around you. Be polite. The other students might be interested the class. Practicing good manners now will serve you well throughout your educational process and career.
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