With it being so early in the semester, one would think I would have patience for the new students (freshman). We were all freshman at one point- nervous, anxious, and annoying- but that does not mean I should be forgiving of some things that are said or done during class. Granted, this can go to anyone that is annoying in lectures.
As most of you know, my major is political science and history. With that being said, I have to take World Politics. This is my kind of stuff and I really am enjoying the class. However, this is a lower-level class (because I decided to wait and take it) and there are freshman in the class and people who just need the extra credit hours. I usually do not have a problem when someone is active in the class, simply meaning, I do not mind when other people besides myself answer questions. Now being the only political science major in the world politics class I would consider myself as the go-to-guy for answers and participation. I don’t mind this label and I also enjoy when others participate.
The one thing that really bothers me in lectures is when people speak out of turn and think they answer a question but rather just argue something off topic. There is this one girl in my class who is a freshman who does just that. I have no beef with her but as soon as there is a question she attempts to answer it but does not give a real answer. Even better, because she is now in college she was probably taught that she is really smart therefore, she deserves her chance to speak. Well freshman, I have news for you: you are not supposed to interrupt lectures unless you have a serious question or you have a real answer to the question the professor asks. You may not realize this, but you really annoy the rest of the class when you are trying to get the professors attention or when you are trying to speak over him. So do us all a favor, shut up and stop waving your hand around like you are in elementary school.
I will admit, I was once this annoying freshman except I tried not to be noticed. I answered questions with real answers but sometimes I would answer the question with a question. I thought that freshman were supposed to be timid and scared not rude and obnoxious. Personally, I feel like there is a bit of a generational gap between my class and the freshman class of 2013. To ensure that this gap does not get any bigger I believe fundamental values need to be taught again starting with manners (I am not talking about being a goody-goody either). If this was taught at a younger age, the gap would not be so bad and the freshman would have my respect. Again, I am not saying I am perfect but I feel like I had better manners at that age. I could also get into the debate of television harming the younger generation; however, that is a topic for another time.
Just remember, shut up in lectures!
This is a tough situation, because you don't want to discourage people from being actively involved by telling them to shut the hell up. People get enough of that "being smart and interested is lame" bullshit in highschool. Part of what's cool about college is finding something you're genuinely interested in and studying it in depth, working along side other like-minded people and getting as much out of it as you can. That kind of environment really only happens in college.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, being overzealous and asking stupid questions (which do exist, contrary to popular opinion) is still lame and a waste of time. It was annoying when it happened in Physics - I can't imagine how much worse PoliSci classes must be. Probably second only to Philosophy. You might want to remind them that, in the "big leagues" they don't get graded on enthusiasm, and if they want to have inane, drawn-out conversations with their professors, they should just go to office hours. Most of them can't get enough of that shit.
All I will say is basically what Dan said in that asking questions shouldnt be discouraged. Whats common knowledge for you may not be for that freshman. Also keep in mind that your the only poly sci major where the others are not. Keep an open mind and if you are the go to guy help the freshman understand the subject content better. Hold study groups if thats something your willing to do. Always better to help then critisize my friend..
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I'm having a similar problem with the freshmen at the radio station this year. Many of then didn't understand the concept of the meeting Dj was at 7:00pm and came up the next day to ask when it was after we had told them the night before as to when it was. Also there is a huge gap in what their music tastes are.
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