Almost every undergrad has made the executive decision to show up to class but not actually be present. Odds are, you somehow convinced yourself that anything and everything are more important than listening in lecture.
Even worse, you tend to feel no remorse for your actions because there are far too many amazing excuses out there for the taking. Excuses like “it’s my tuition, so I don’t have to pay attention,” or “I learned this stuff already,” when we all know you’re in desperate need of a refresher. Being physically present is often a requirement, but no one ever said anything about being mentally there.
So here’s 10 things done in the classroom that has absolutely nothing to do with learning the lecture material:
1. Scrolling through social media...
... because your timeline is clearly way more important than learning College Algebra II.
2. Munching for days.
Eating the sandwich you brought to class takes precedent. Everyone knows there’s nothing worse than chowing down on a soggy meal.
3. Online shopping.
You realized that you haven’t gone shopping online in a while.. and decided the best time to do so is in the middle of lecture.
4. Deeming your group chat as a top priority.
Nothing and no one is going to stand in your way of responding to those memes. It’s not like you could respond to class or anything because your online presence is far too important.
5. Catching up on current events...
doesn't staying up-to-date with global events count as learning? Nice try.
6. Listening to music.
In fact, you have an “in-class” playlist for those days you just aren’t having it.
7. Scribbling on your assignment sheets.
So what if your professor says it's a study guide for an upcoming test. As far as you're concerned, it's a blank canvas for your imagination to run wild.
8. Studying for another class.
You have a quiz in your next class, so instead of paying attention to current material, you're fearlessly teaching yourself all the material you should’ve learned but didn’t for your next class.
9. Going to class just to see your friends.
Don’t mistake lecture as a time to learn, it’s really just a way to catch up with some friends. You end up talking about everything but the material.
10. Netflix.
Watching shows on your laptop during lecture is an all-time favorite, because we don't watch it enough outside the classroom.