Paladin

Issue date: 9/25/08 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Marquis Cook [Click to enlarge]

Have you ever sat in a difficult or boring class trying to grasp a concept only to be disrupted loud talking, headphone music, or a classmate leaving early?

It can be upsetting, especially if you're trying hard to get a decent grade in the class. For example, recently I was in a math class and had to complain to a few students behind me about their noise level.

Their talking was competing with the volume of the teacher's voice, which made it difficult to concentrate on what he was saying. I understand that a class can be uninteresting, but still there are common courtesies that need to be followed.

The policies and procedures section of the class schedule gives some simple guidelines. The first point mentioned is respect for the instructor; respecting an instructor's classroom by not making disruptions to a lecture.

The second point is respect for other students. I have a right to learn without enduring harassment. The guidelines state, "This means not interfering with the rights of others to listen and participate, not being disrespectful, not using inappropriate language, or harassing others in any way."

The last two points deal with student and instructor rights. Instructors need to exercise their authority in dealing with rude students. The guidelines state,

"Instructors have the right to remove a student from a class at any time he/she considers a student's actions to be interfering with a proper collegiate environment."

"Students have a right to bring disruptions to a teacher's attention and not feel threatened for doing so. The guidelines state, "All students have a right to due process. If a classroom conflict occurs, discuss them with your instructor during his/her office hours. Additional resources for help can include the department head, the instructional dean and the dean of student affairs."

The most important thing to remember is respect. Treat people the way you would want to be treated. If all else fails, lay your head down and zone out.

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