A DVC engineering major recently complained to me about a common problem: side conversations that distract from the professor’s lecture.

“I paid good money to listen to a professional expand my knowledge, not to have it reduced by updates about ‘Survivor,'” he said. “Nobody raises their hand either.

Everybody just blurts out whatever comes to mind.”

The great thing about living in a free country is that we have the right to express whatever opinions we choose.

But does this precious liberty extend to distracting side conversations in class?

Just because you can have an opinion doesn’t mean you have to share it. You know, decency.

Listen to this self-described “big talker”: “There were just several classes I didn’t feel challenged enough in to pay attention, and I didn’t worry about the people around me.”

Indeed, the teacher can set the tone for the whole class: “If it’s a class where the professor doesn’t say anything, the conversations will sometimes last the entire class,” says a recent DVC graduate.

Another student told me that her friend got into a physical altercation after confronting someone about his incessant side-chats.

She added her husband is more often plagued by off-topic, nebulous conversations in his humanities classes than his science classes.

I can’t speak from experience towards that point but the overall issue concerns me.

Since it’s the season of academic self-improvement, what with our recent success in the
Accreditation Crisis, let us also recover from our crisis of conscience and let the expert talk when class is in session.

And raise your hand when you have something to add for the betterment of you and those around you.

Contact Christopher C. Long at [email protected]