This is the second most common thing students say when asked to stop talking during lecture. Please know that you were not singled out by your teacher. You singled yourself out, because you were talking a blue streak, quite likely the loudest student in the classroom. Being disruptive in class is a sign of disrespect — disrespect of the teacher as well as disrespect of yourself.

Think of it this way…

Have you ever driven (or ridden) down the highway and seen a speed trap?  Lots and lots of drivers exceed the speed limit every day. But who does the trooper pull over? The trooper will typically nab the car that was going the fastest. Why? Because crazy fast speeders stand out like a sore thumb! Would you tell the trooper that you were not the only driver speeding? Or would you respectfully hand over your license and registration?

When you talk incessantly during class, you stand out like a Ferrari California GT blazing down the highway at 90 miles per hour! While that may seem super cool, consider saving all that energy and your need for speed for the playing field. Because here’s another seldom-mentioned aphorism… lazy and inconsiderate in the classroom typically means lazy and inconsiderate on the field, on the court, or in the pool.

So if you are asked to stop talking, don’t argue. Just says “yes ma’am” or “yes sir,” and just stop talking. You have about 40-50 minutes (depending on the school) to help you learn. Make every one of those minutes count.

So are you wondering what the most common excuse is?  I wasn’t talking.  It’s also the least creative, don’t you think? My grandma used to say not to piss on her leg and tell her it was raining.

Remember that success is a planned event. Believe in yourself.

Pay attention, do the work, and don’t give up!

And don’t forget to check out my new YouTube channel!

www.youtube.com/@PlanetNumeracy