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Boredom rising in classrooms
- By Michelle Ramirez
- Trail Staff Writer
- I can’t count the number of times I have been sitting in class and find myself drifting off into nothingness, my eyes heavy and unable to concentrate to save my life. It may have something to do with my 4 a.m. curfew, but I would argue that is not the only reason for my lethargy.
Everyone knows that one teacher, either in college or otherwise, that could put you to sleep with his or her tone of voice. Their monotonous tenor could put a colicky baby to sleep if they talked long enough. Fifty minutes is potent enough to send a young adult into deep sleep.
I have never been a consistent straight A student. I look at education as an extensive buffet, full of options and choices. For instance, required classes are similar to the obligation felt to eat some vegetables, knowing you need them to be healthy, but you grab the smallest portion possible. You don’t need the fried chicken or French fries or bread pudding, but you grab them anyway because they taste good. You might not eat it all, but you scarf the foods that taste the best.
Because of my profound outlook on the public education system, I tend to lose interest in any subject that doesn’t capture my attention. I have to be pulled in by interesting subject matter or charismatic teaching. Without that element of instruction, it’s an extra 50 minutes of sleep.
I think teachers should put most of their effort into engaging their students in what they are teaching. Anybody could stand up in front of 20 college students and teach their subject from a textbook. Talking for an entire class period is not only boring, it’s ineffective. Most students need visual assistance or at least some kind of interaction besides the teacher speaking to them. The subject that is being explained needs to be applied somehow, so the student can relate. Students remember the teachers who spoke to them like adults, equals even. I can’t speak for everyone, but I would say the majority of students are more inclined to show up to class and even do well if they like their teacher.
- Trail Staff Writer