What's the best way to take notes in class?

baktrax
Mon, 22 Jul 2013 04:13:37 +0000

I find it incredible that some people are surprised by professors having a no cellphones policy. It’s just completely disrespectful to have your phone out texting during a lecture. What does anyone need to have a phone out for during class?



There have been occasions when I’ve gotten calls about grad school or job interviews or acceptances during class, and I needed to take the call. I always step outside to take the call, but that could be one reason to be preoccupied with a phone during class (especially if you’re expecting an important phone call).

There have been other times when I’ve had to answer (time-sensitive) questions from my lab via text. Sometimes I’ll also jot a due date or something similar in my calendar on my phone or send a reminder to myself to do something for the course, and both of these I like to do as soon as the professor mentions it. I could write it down on my notes, but to be honest, having a system makes it so that things don’t get lost in the shuffle and it helps when I have a lot of things to keep track of.

I’m sure many of the students on their phones aren’t doing anything that couldn’t be done easily outside of class, but sometimes, there are situations where I really need to take a call or communicate with something. Life doesn’t stop as soon as I enter the classroom, and I try to be understanding of other students whose entire life I may not be aware of.