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Throughout college, you’ll have some of the coolest and most interesting courses. And other times, you’ll struggle to get through each lecture and end up watching the clock the entire time. Some teachers and classes are… well, boring is the only word we can think of. You still want that good grade, though. How do you stay focused on the lecture or lesson and survive it without falling asleep or daydreaming the entire class?
Here’s the most important thing to keep in mind: do everything in your power to stay alert during class time. We won’t give you any tips on how to avoid the lecture and take a rest while the professor is doing their best. Check the headline again; it’s about what to do when bored in class, surviving a boring class, and getting good grades. To get good grades, you have to put in some effort. It won’t be quite as hard with these simple ways to stay engaged.
1. Find an Interesting Angle
Is your professor telling you about the Napoleonic Wars? Listen to them. Create an image in your head. How do you think people dressed at that time? Get some facts from the lecture and write them down. Find an interesting angle you could explore further and spark your curiosity in the subject.
If your physics professor is explaining a formula, try to investigate more about the scientist who did the research and came down to that formula. Try to think of ways that a particular aspect of physics is present in your everyday life.
2. Take Notes and Plan a Project
Taking notes and planning a project doesn’t seem like an interesting thing to do during a boring lecture, does it? Well, it will help you survive it, for sure, and deepen your knowledge of the curriculum. Focus on what the professor is saying. You know you’ll have to write an essay for this class. The professor is giving subtle hints you could use. They are emphasizing the most important parts of the lecture, so you can guess what they want to see in your papers by the tone of their voice.
Those notes can help you a lot with the project you need to write for that class.
3. Do the Homework
If you already know what the homework for that class is going to be, it’s best to work on it straight away. As your professor is giving explanations, no matter how boring they are, you can catch up and write the homework task. You’ll save yourself tons of time, so you can actually rest when you get home.
If you’re allowed to use a tablet in class, you can always get help for your homework from online services like Math.com Online Writing Lab by Purdue Owl. While the information is fresh, you’ll write the assignment in a few minutes.
4. Ask Questions
Do you have no idea how people used to dress during the Napoleonic Wars? Why don’t you just ask? When the teacher invites you to ask questions during class discussions, it’s your time to shine!
Even before that point, while you’re listening to the lecture, think of something you can ask. With this method, you’re tricking your mind to stay focused and think of an interesting question. Write these questions down and ask them when the discussion is open. If your professor doesn’t participate in open discussions, you can talk with them after class too.
5. Follow Along
As your professor is talking, try to follow along by reading the material from the textbook or the lecture slides. Do you notice them telling something that’s not there? Write it down! You’ll probably get that question on a test, and you’ll be one of the few people who know the answer. Lucky you!
6. Check Out the Lessons that Follow
When you’re bored with a lecture, check the textbook to see what’s coming next. You’ll surely find something interesting in it. Then, remind yourself that this lecture will lead to that point, so it’s important to learn progressively. This can also help you for the upcoming exams.
7. Change Your Approach
Here’s a mental exercise that will get you through a boring class: change the way you see it. It’s not pointless at all. You are learning valuable things about the world that surrounds you. When you find yourself with people, talking about different things, you would seem silly if you don’t know things from basic education.
Find the purpose. You’re there because you want to learn. Give your professor the respect they deserve. Maybe they are boring, but they are doing their best and it’s their job to teach you about this subject. Ask a question to help them make the lecture more interesting. Needless to say, you shouldn’t interrupt them. Raise your hand or wait for them to invite you for a discussion.
Whatever you do, don’t fall asleep during a lecture. It’s disrespectful and will cause you to fall behind in class. Get a good night’s sleep on the night before your more boring classes so you won’t doze off during lectures – your future self will thank you for it! By following our tips, you’ll be able to get ahead in your less interesting courses and actually be able to rest when you get home from class. And don’t worry, a class only lasts for a semester, so it’ll be over before you know it!
