Being respectful in the classroom is more than it is made out to be
By: KATIE LEICHT
Art & Life Editor
Since first attending Meramec in the fall of 2013, I can honestly say I have had some of the best professors the school has to offer, and never in the past two-and-a-half years has it ever crossed my mind to disrespect them in any way. Call me old-fashioned, but is having and displaying respect in the classroom too much to ask? Is it impossible to portray?
Lately, I have noticed some students being beyond disrespectful to their professors during lecture and class time. This disrespect includes talking back to them, disagreeing with the professor’s rules during class time and completely disregarding what the professor asks of the student. I personally do not think it is difficult to follow the expectations and rules that are given in the classroom. Yes, this is college and yes, students should have freedoms. But I do not think that disagreeing with the type of paper the professor wants you to use in class – among other things – is losing freedom. Those who think goofing off is still “cool” like it was in high school are extremely ignorant.
Arguing with the expectations of the professor is immature and basically pathetic.
As a student, you have paid your way to be here, whether that entails receiving grants, scholarships or paying out-of-pocket. Why anyone would waste their money to come to school everyday just to argue and look elementary in class is beyond me. Students need to understand how simple it is to just listen to what the professor asks of you.
If your professor wants the fringy parts of notebook paper torn off before turning in an assignment, do it.
If your professor does not want students talking during lecture, do not talk. If your professor wants you to write in pencil why argue? If you personally do not like the rules, drop the class or switch into a different one.
You have no right as a student to try and make the rules, or even throw them to the wind. Your professor has gone through many years of studying and preparing to be in the position they are today. Don’t be the immature annoyance your classmates are dreading to sit next to.
