Regardless of the class you are taking, these types of people are bound to be scattered throughout the classroom. Next time look around and see if you can spot them around you.
The Non-Note Taker
Personally, this person worries me. This person will be avidly listening in class and is so confident in their ability to retain information that they don’t even take notes. None. There is no notebook or laptop in front of them to jot down the occasional point, or in my case, trying to catch every word coming out of the professor’s mouth. This is absolutely mind-boggling. I mean, how do you even study for exams or write papers? Maybe you have this special ability, or perhaps you are just really lazy and don’t care. Either way, if you are a non-note taker, please explain yourself so that maybe I can understand your ways because right now, I am just very confused.
The One Who Is A No Show
Even within this category, there is a wide range of people. Some students will show up occasionally, with no real pattern in their attendance. There will be those who only show up for tests or when important assignments are due. And then there are the students who only show up once, the first class, if even that, and after that, you can be sure that you will never see them again.
The One Who "Knows It All"
Whenever the professor asks a question, you can guarantee that this person’s hand will always be flailing in the air, ready to answer the question. And most of the time, they do not simply answer the question, they go “above and beyond.” Sometimes this person will also ask a question, usually outside of the scope of this class, which occasionally shows the shortcomings of the professor. You kind of despise them, but secretly, you wish you had their knowledge, so you didn’t have to try so hard and read as much.
The One Who Sits in the Front
Unlike most students, this person does not mind sitting in the front, being within sight of the professor. They have all of the class materials ready and come to class prepared with all of the readings and assignments completed. In a way, this person is the ideal student. They are alert and attentive. I mean you have to be, the professor is literally right there. This only applies to those who deliberately choose to sit in the front, not the people who walk in late and sit in the first seat they see.
The One Who Naps
You question why they even bother to show up if they aren’t going to put any effort into staying awake, nevertheless paying attention. It seems kind of pointless, right? Perhaps they are only there to make sure that they are ensured perfect attendance. Their reason for showing up beside the point, as soon as the lecture starts, their head is down, and within a few minutes, they are sound asleep. You will typically find this person in the back of the classroom, but if they are pulling this stunt while sitting in the front, well, not quite sure what to say about that.