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FRESHMAN JOURNAL |
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Don't lecture me
By Kaitlin Schroeder, Miami University
It's too easy to fall asleep in a lecture hall. The subject is not typically the most entertaining. Large lecture hall-sized classes are typically required classes. Required classes are usually required because no one in their right mind would take these subjects voluntarily.
Since hunger is a common reason that people have a hard time focusing, try eating to stay awake. To avoid stares try to bring something not too strong smelling, unless it's coffee. Coffee is an acceptable exception. I've found a great choice is something like Pull and Peel Twizzlers or Pop Rocks. Th'’re both food and entertainment, and hence kill two birds with one stone.
Crosswords are a classic waste of time that you can't go wrong with. A plus with crosswords is that, if you do it right, it looks like you're taking notes.
Play-Doh is a very subtle form of entertainment. The same goes for Silly Putty. They're easy to pack along and can be quickly packed back up if you're in a hurry. It's surprisingly very easy to multitask with either medium. I also find something about playing with either one to be very relaxing and therapeutic.
Field Trip day is fun every now and then. Just find a friend and bring them into class. Lecture halls rarely take attendance, and even if they do they're only checking who is there, not who is extra. The trick is finding a willing volunteer.
Running a "foreign exchange program" can be an even better choice. You and any friend pick a day, take a vacation and go to each to the other’s lecture class. Sometimes I find taking notes for someone else a refreshing change of pace. I always fall asleep in my Geology 141, but I found it's easy to stay awake my friend's Botany 156.
Remember that in these situations the important thing is not necessarily paying attention to the class, but rather making sure you aren't the student still sleeping in your seat when the room clears out.
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