Knitting during class: ok or not?

[BusyBee91]

Hi folks,

so I'm an auditory/kinesthetic learner, and I recently decided to start bringing my knitting to class, to see if it kept me more engaged in the lecture and off my electronics. It's pretty much a silent hobby, so I was surprised when a friend/classmate mentioned that she felt it was distracting and rude to the professor and other students. This is a class with many people on their laptops/tablets for lecture. Anyway, I grew up with a knitting mama who had hers everywhere, so I've never really seen it as inappropriate. Just curious what you all think? Would it bother you? More or less than people using electronics or eating in class?

Thanks for for the thoughts :)

[WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I think the OP really needs to think about one thing: perception.

I am not a nursing instructor, but I teach lifeguard training, CPR, and first aid. The lectures/videos are dry, I know first hand. If I had a student in one of my classes knitting, it would make me think they think their time is better spent knitting than giving my class 100% attention. I am giving the class 100%, why aren't you? I ask people to leave the classroom over texting because I find it offensive. I don't care if they say "it helps me pay attention." You are splitting your attention between listening and knitting. You are not giving me the same attention I am giving you.

Think about how your peers are perceiving you... Actions will always speak louder than words.

Also, just because this instructor has not said anything to you does not mean they are OK with it. It also does not mean your other instructors will be either. My suggestion would be to find another way to cope with your idle hands.

[1wellnessnurse]

I like to bring crocheting to social events and doctor's offices. It makes me happy. The PTA moms at my daughter's school make fun of me and call me an 'old lady'. It shouldn't make a difference, but it does. I'm surprised sometimes by the attitude.

I don't think the instructors or classmates care if you learn better when your hands are busy. It's all about looking interested. For example, there are students who pretend to take notes, but are on face book.

And for those people really questioning the clicking noise that may or may not be heard from the needles, what about typing on a laptop - doesn't that make louder clicking noise?

I like edmia's comments.

[Junebug14, ASN, RN]

We had a girl bring in a "quiet" snack one day in lecture, but it was cucumbers she had sitting in vinegar all day!!! Quiet but very distracting! Lol

[WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

We had a girl bring in a "quiet" snack one day in lecture, but it was cucumbers she had sitting in vinegar all day!!! Quiet but very distracting! Lol

OMG! That's the worst when people bring smelly food to class. We had one girl that would bring something that smelled horrible to class every day to the point that the professor threatened to fail her if she kept doing it. He had to keep kicking her out of class (and giving her a zero) for it to sink in.

[Junebug14, ASN, RN]

OMG! That's the worst when people bring smelly food to class. We had one girl that would bring something that smelled horrible to class every day to the point that the professor threatened to fail her if she kept doing it. He had to keep kicking her out of class (and giving her a zero) for it to sink in.

I can't believe some people need it to sink in that way. I would be sooo embarrassed! No way would I let it get to a second time of getting noticed by the professor.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

You're going to have to choose to be 100% engaged in your lectures -- or not. Whether you can acclimate to the typical lecture/classroom environment -- or not.

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

Are you going to knit when a doctor is giving you orders? If this is a serious post and not a troll then you need to go get counseling on how to grow up and act like a professional. When you are talking to a patient who is dying are you going to whip out your cell phone to talk with friends? Knitting in class? I would kick you out of my class.

[mrsboots87]

I think people are failing to realize that some one who had hyperactive tendencies (bouncing feet, rocking in chair, doodling, and so on) CAN'T focus at all without movement. So even though they may loom at the teacher and look engaged, they cannot focus without the movement. That does not mean that they will need to knit while talking to docs or patients, as that is an engaging activity. Sitting in lecture is not an engaging activity. It is sedentary and sometimes very boring. Major difference. I for one need to move as well. I don't need to go as far as knitting or something similar, but I HAVE to tap my feet (we have carpet under so no tapping sounds) or rotate my chair back and forth while writing every single thing that comes out of the professor mouth or it's in one ear and out the other. If I just sit still and try to take notes I literally absorb nothing. I sit around people who I am social with in class and do my best not to be distracting, but at the end of the day, I NEED the movement. I can understand the OPs need for movement. Maybe knitting isn't the best choice, but to say she is ignoring the instructor or barely listening, without knowing how she thinks, is actually quite rude. Maybe without the hand movement she is giving the instructor 0% of her attention but only looks like it. A good instructor takes into account ALL student needs and learning styles. They don't just make every student sit and stare. If it is explained that this is how she learns best, then they will either allow it, or will offer an alternative. People be getting judge mental as heck in here.

[NuGuyNurse2b]

The only thing I would suggest the OP do is at least sit in the back so it's not a distraction to other students. No point in inconveniencing other people because of your issue. It's like people who come in late on a consistent basis, with a brown bag from dunkin donuts, slurping the coffee. I know life happens and I'd rather listen to the crumpling brown bag for a few minutes than the stomach noise for the entire lecture, so it doesn't bother me that much. But at least use the back door and not the front entrance where everyone sees you coming in and setting up shop.

[JBudd, MSN]

I understand the need for movement, but use a worry stone, a counting cord, a squeeze ball, a squishy ball to roll subtly under your foot. But the OP asked about knitting, which requires attention. I can crochet without looking most of the time, but I still have to look down to count stitches, turn corners, change colors. I have crocheted entire skeins while watching my required videos from the hospital, or even in large conferences. But to sit in a live lecture in nursing school and knit is not acceptable; nor is it possible to give 100% attention to the lecture while doing it.

[Jen_Loves_Nursing]

I am surprised by everyone utter distaste for your knitting!! I wouldn't care at all, but then again I've never been the type who cares what others think of me, as long as I can look myself in the mirror. If i were you I would make sure the prof understands that it is a learning technic so s/he doesn't take offense and then sit where you aren't in full view (IE: Front row?!?!) DO you Hunny!

Jen

[SionainnRN]

I am surprised by everyone utter distaste for your knitting!! I wouldn't care at all, but then again I've never been the type who cares what others think of me, as long as I can look myself in the mirror. If i were you I would make sure the prof understands that it is a learning technic so s/he doesn't take offense and then sit where you aren't in full view (IE: Front row?!?!) DO you Hunny!

Jen

It's not about what people would think of her, it's about purposefully being a distraction in class. If the OP must do something with her hands to help her focus, there are way less distracting things she can do. Knitting is not appropriate in a classroom.