I am bored in class! Now what?

Why is it vital to deal with this

While being bored some of the time is understandable and probably doesn't need addressing, if it becomes common instead of a rare event, it should probably be worked on.
Reasons: There are a number of reasons you might be bored in class:

1. The topic seems boring.
2. The professor is boring (except in your computer classes, maybe?).
3. You are lost.
4. You think you understand it all.
5. You are not paying attention.

Why you should consider addressing it:

1. You don't want to miss important things because you have zoned out.
2. You don't want to distract others (your classmates and/or professor).
3. You are paying good money, you should get the most out of the time in the class.

An aside: Dr. Bareiss totally understands this as she was often bored in some of her classes.

Guidelines on how to handle it

The overall idea is to try to stay engaged as much as possible. Don't distract yourself entirely!

1. Most important: Whatever you do, make sure you don't distract your neighbors. So if you are doing things (esp. on the computer) that might be distracting, sit in the back!
2. If you are lost, see the getting lost Gem.
3. If it is something you totally understand, work on developing your note taking skills. This is an excellent time to learn to write while listening. This will also keep you engaged in class. Write down your thoughts and reactions to the material in addition to what is being said. Add things like "this might be on the test," "this will be needed for the homework," etc.
4. Doodle on your notes. This does help you keep engaged. This is also an advantage of taking notes by hand and not typing them. (I often had a countdown in my paper and marked off each minute.)
5. If you know (or are learning) another language, write your notes (or some of them) in the other language.
6. Compare the lecture with the textbook (if there is one).
7. Bring something to do (that does not distract others). Best would be to work on the homework for the class. But be sure to also pay attention for the odds and ends that might be important.

Requirements for credit

1. List at least four problems that you have encountered that were caused by being bored in class (any course, hopefully more recent ones).
2. Describe two situations when you were bored in class (any course, hopefully more recent ones).
3. List two techniques you want to try to try to deal with this situation and try them.
4. Report on the success of your attempts.