Reflection Paper

Oct, 18,2020

ALS_145_606_F2020

Paying attention in class

Paying attention in class is the gateway to cognition. Students who excel in their studies understand that they must pay attention to their instructors when they teach. This paper explains how the ‘pay attention in class’ chapter connects with my knowledge on the topic, what the information reveals about me, the concepts I would share with an international student, and how the information will be used to build my skills.

The chapter connects with my knowledge on the topic as it emphasizes the need for paying attention. When one pays attention, he/she gets a hint of what the instructor is to set in the exam and how they expect the exam questions to be answered. One might be having adequate knowledge in a particular unit but still fail because of the failure to pay attention (De Castell et al, 2014). It is important to get help from professors and this happens when one knows what is being taught. Those who ask questions in class show that they understand a particular topic well.

The information in the chapter revealed that I have good listening skills and respect for my instructor. As an international student, I prefer to listen keenly to what the professor is teaching. I know I have to utilize my time well because it is quite difficult to repeat classes when you are an international student. Those who have good listening skills prefer paying attention in class (Bunce et al, 2016). They also respect their instructors because they can always listen to what they are saying. If one cannot listen to the instructor or devote their time to class lessons, it shows they are not interested in what the professor has to say. As a learner, I have a high level of interest in my studies and know that I have to show it by being attentive to my professor.

Some of the key concepts I would share with a new international student include coming prepared for the lectures, learning how to ask questions, and being an active participant. A new student has to come prepared to study. It is not good to miss classes. Even though one can study by himself/herself, attending classes helps guide the student on what he/she should study (Bunce et al, 2016). One can fail to attend the lecture and read different things from what the instructor expects them to read. A new student also has to know that he/she can get help from the professor. In most cases, the professor wants to help students in the challenges they face. One can take advantage of the office hours to engage the professors and get adequate knowledge from them.

I would involve a new international student to be an active participant. To be an active participant, one can answer the questions being asked and also ask questions during lectures or zoom meetings. When one is an active participant, his/her level of understanding increases (Frank, 2020). It is easy to know what is being taught when one is engaged well in discussions with other students. It is important to take notes and speak up in class discussions.

I will use the information in the chapter to enhance my attentiveness in online lectures and class discussions. I will be taking notes and asking questions whenever we are having a lesson in order to enhance my level of understanding.

Reference:

Bunce, D. M., Flens, E. A., & Neiles, K. Y. (2016). How long can students pay attention in class? A study of student attention decline using clickers. Journal of Chemical Education, 87(12), 1438-1443.

De Castell, S., & Jenson, J. (2014). Paying attention to attention: New economies for learning. Educational Theory, 54(4), 381-397.

Frank (2020). 10 steps to Earning Awesome Grades (While Studying Less)