How to Survive a Boring Class

At least every student or person who has been through the education system has had a completely boring class at one point or another in his or her learning experience. Some teachers and lecturers are quick to notice this and take some steps to lighten up their class while for others; they are never keen enough to read the moods of their students (Richmond 83). In some cases, the instructor may choose to continue with his or her class regardless of the student’s mood. The reason for boredom can be monotony, poor content delivery, and other socio-economic or political factors among others (Clement par 5). Despite all these, lecture attendance remains one of the key ingredients to scoring good grades at all levels of education. For this reason, students at all levels need to embrace certain attitudes and traits that can help them gain the most from their classes. Here are some tips on overcoming boredom in the classrooms.

            One of the reasons for boredom is one’s approach to classes. Approach is what brings out the differences between a C, B and an A student. A student needs to be positive about his or her classes taking them as a form of entertainment though it may be short of whatever he or she considers entertaining. To stimulate one’s moods, it would be appropriate to take a cup of coffee. Once in the classroom, one should take the lecture as a mental game and try making sense of the information being presented to his or her mind for absorption and synthesis (Richmond 83). One needs to take cognizance of the fact that his or her work is mainly that of passing a class as opposed to liking it. Not everything in life will be fun. Nevertheless, a student needs to understand how passing and graduating is important in their next stage of life and as such has to make the best of their learning opportunity.

            Secondly, focus while in class works well in overcoming boredom. One should do his or her level best to pay attention to the tutor by avoiding distraction that may make the mind wonder leading to boredom (Turpin, et al 23). Operating a cell phone and conversing with classmates during class sessions are the most common causes of distraction in class and one need to strive to avoid them completely. Choosing one’s desk-mates also influences a person’s ability to pay attention as there are those who can never spend a few minutes without disturbing their neighbors while in the classroom. One should avoid sitting next to such persons while in class. In addition, one should write down some notes during class and try to ask the lecturer some questions where one feels that he or she is lost.

            Clearly, boredom is brought about by factors that are not entirely out of one’s control. Taking the right measures can enable one gain the most out of his or her classes (Richmond 83). Time lost in retaking classes can never be recovered and as a result one has to make the most of his or her initial opportunity in any given course to avoid wasting time. Having the right attitude, approach and paying attention while in the classroom can go a long way in preventing boredom. This has the result of helping one improve his or her performance in a given class.

Works Cited

Turpin, Jennifer, et al. “Surviving and thriving: Bringing back sociology at the University of San Francisco.” The American Sociologist 27.3 (1996): 8-26.

Careersinpsychology.org,. ‘Introductory Psychology Class: How To Survive It | Careersinpsychology.Org’. N.p., 2014. Web. 19 Sept. 2014.

Clement, Rod. Louisa May Pickett: The Most Boring Person in Class. Pymble, N.S.W: Angus & Robertson, 2005. Print.