Seriously, why do they come to class?! shut up already!

[Certifiable]

It's the first class of the day, hardly anyone in class (not mandatory class) and the teacher is lecturing.

I hear this constant buzz behind me... so occasionaly I let out a soft SHHH (not the evil librarian kind).

After i've done this several times (my other friends are too wuss to even ackowledge that they're bothered by their "friends" noise- and I know they are, bc they always complain about it) I hear a "tsk" noise, you know, the kind of noise someone makes with their tongue when they are annoyed? So that was the last straw. I turned around to talk to this girl and to my astonishment, she was filling out a crossword with the girl next to her... A BLOODY CROSSWORD! my blood went to my head so fast i must have sprouted collateral veins!

I looked at her and said: " I'm SO sorry that i'm interrupting your crossword, but i'm trying to listen, to the TEACHER..."

Later on in the day, again I had to (and no, it's not a form of OCD) SHHH her again... then I heard "she's so annoying" closely followed with an aside to her friend "oops, do you think she heard me?" and meanwhile i'm staring straight ahead, her friend says "no, she didn't hear"..... GGGGgggrrrrr.

I seriously don't know what to do about people like this... I can't move to a different part of the class because i'd still hear.

No one else will stand up to her because she's nominated herself as a sort of "queen" in the class, miss popular etc'... I'm pretty direct but I can't afford to burn bridges with two more years of BSN to go.

Any advice?

[caliotter3]

In my classes you would have to do battle with the brown nosers to get the good seats in front of the instructor, but I would certainly make this effort. If you can't get one of those coveted seats, I would speak to the instructor about it. You have a right to have access to what is being taught and I would make an earnest effort to get what you are paying for.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Did this only happen in this one class? Maybe it was a one time thing, in which case cut them some slack and see if they pay more attention at the first mandatory class.

You said that there was hardly anyone in the class. If that was the case, why couldn't you move somewhere else? It doesn't sound like the class was full. A seat near the instructor would allow you to hear better and avoid the talkers. Unless you are assigned seating.

If they are being that distracting, chances are you won't be the only one annoyed and with some peer support, maybe they will quiet down.

Shushing is often seen as more rude than politely asking someone to quiet down. If they instructor won't do anything about it, try this: Turn and say nicely, "I'm sorry, but I'm having trouble hearing. Do you mind keeping your voices down?" If they continue, turn back around and say, (still plesantly, but in a louder voice so most of the class, including the instructor, can hear) "I know that crossword puzzle is important, but I really can't hear the instructor over your talking. Could you please keep it down?" Chances are, they will get the hint after that.

Ashley

[Certifiable, BSN, RN]

it's not just in this class.... and as to sitting in the front row- I can't sit there for eight hours b/c the teacher lectures from a stage---i'd need a chyropractor.

cute idea about raising my voice to get the attention of her and the teacher--- i'll try that next time.

[CuriousMe]

it's not just in this class.... and as to sitting in the front row- I can't sit there for eight hours b/c the teacher lectures from a stage---i'd need a chyropractor.

cute idea about raising my voice to get the attention of her and the teacher--- i'll try that next time.

Have you tried speaking to them out of class or on a break? I'd likely try that before disturbing the whole class by asking them to be quiet loudly.

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

The teachers in my university don't beleive in "policing" a classroom... they think it's beneath them, kindergarden level.

I'm not sure how widespread this is . . . but I have heard of it.

A co-worker is going to college for her BS degree in Social Work. At least one instructor told the class on the first day that she/he didn't care if people left their cell phones on and it rang during class and there would be no policing of student behavior during lectures.

Maybe this instructor is one of those who disrupted class when he/she was a student.

Regardless, it is rude.

I'd follow the advice of going to the culprits outside of class, explain your hearing problem, and be nice about it.

I'd also move.

THEN, let the teacher in on it . . .however, you've said the teacher won't police the class so . . . .

[Moogie]

I think the fault is with the teacher. I understand the attitude that students are adult learners and should be responsible enough to pay attention---or choose not to pay attention. However, when the behavior of others becomes disruptive to the classroom and makes it difficult for other students to learn, it needs to be addressed.

The instructor is wimping out, IMHO.

[TerpGal02, ASN]

Wow. Any of our instructors would have a FIT if that kind of thing was going on in lecture. Now granted, our class is only 32 people and it would be VERY easy for our instructors to spot that kind of behavior but Lord A'Mighty if someone dared to behave that way in our class, they would def be called out, and if it kept going, they'd probably be asked to leave the classroom.