Class disruptions cause campus headaches

Maybe it’s the cell phones ringing, pencils tapping, gum popping, the constant stream of students walking in and out from using the bathroom.

Or perhaps it’s the underlying conversations that take place in the classroom that keep other students from paying attention in class.

“Ordinarily I don’t like disruptions in the classroom when they don’t pertain to the subject matter,” said Chris DiBiase ’05. “Overly loud conversations really get to me because I can’t focus.”

Nevertheless, there is a notion that because of the rudeness of a few students, many students trying to pay attention are kept from doing so.

Many students do not realize that they might be disrupting the learning environment by simply eating something in class, or drumming their fingers along the desk.

But their classmates may feel that it is keeping them from focusing on the professor.

Professors seem to be insulted by such behavior because it seems they are working for nothing. Professors feel that when students start packing their bags and shuffling before class has ended, the students don’t respect them for what they are trying to teach.

“You have to ask yourself, does it distract? Does it draw attention away from what’s going on?'” said Dr. Ralph Coury, a history professor. “I don’t mind a certain amount of informalities, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the basic learning.”

According to an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education, professors “complain that students increasingly see themselves as customers, viewing their professors as employees rather than instructors.”

“I don’t mind eating in class,” said Coury. “There are certain things that are distracting, like if they’re reading something else, or on a cell phone. I understand that students need to use the restroom, but if there is too many people going in and out, it can be distracting.”

Although some students seem to be careless in disrupting classes with their behavior, most students will comply to the requests to avoid distracting the class. If students realize that their behavior is angering others, then they are more likely to try to adjust so that their peers are not disturbed.

“I can understand a cell phone or watch going off, it’s an accident,” said DiBiase. “Just shut it off next time.”