Good etiquette in class can help you make the most of your education.
If you're in Code Fellows, you're likely at least 18 years old—the age at which you're legally considered an adult. You may not feel like a responsible grown-up yet, but your instructors will assume that you are. So act likewise.
Before you say or do anything in the classroom, ask yourself "How would a mature, well-adjusted, courteous adult act?" I promise that doing so will save you from embarrassment and engender the respect of your classmates and instructors.
The classroom is a comfortable yet professional environment for students and instructors alike. Dressing well and smelling fresh shows your respect for your classmates, for your instructors, and for the power of education in general.
Consider how certain clothing, accessories, and even perfumes or colognes could be distracting in the classroom. Similarly, be aware of your own personal hygiene and how it affects the other people around you.
When you arrive late to class, it can create a big distraction for the instructors and for your classmates. Practice the art of punctuality by arriving a few minutes early. Use that time before class to get your laptop ready, making sure the volume is on mute.
If you're going to be late to class, try to slip in as quietly as possible, rather than entering the room with Kramer-esque panache.
Besides helping you get the most out of your education, coming to class prepared is a matter of showing respect. The instructor has likely spent a lot of time preparing to teach, so reciprocate by coming prepared to learn. Do the reading and have your homework assignments finished before class.
In the event that you do need to relieve yourself mid-class, just get up and go. No need to ask for permission; Simply leave the classroom with as little fanfare as possible.
By texting, tweeting, and engaging in all other forms of smartphone fondling, you're basically telling the instructors that seeing how many likes your Facebook post has is more important than what they have to say.
And don't think you're fooling the instructors whenever you hold your phone in your lap and under the desk. Staring at your crotch and smiling isn't normal behavior.
If you need to have your phone on for an emergency, let the instructor know in advance and set your phone to vibrate. Leave the classroom before taking the call.
Taking part in classroom discussion is just good manners. Nothing is more demoralizing to an instructor than spending hours preparing thoughtful discussion questions only to face the sound of chirping crickets and blank stares. Do your part to help the instructor's lesson plan along by actively participating in discussion.
While taking part in classroom discussion is important, don't dominate it. First, you're denying your classmates an opportunity to participate. Second, by raising your hand and offering a soliloquy after every question your instructor asks, you'll come off as a "know-it-all" or "teacher's pet."
Please speak up if you don't understand something, but don't be the person who is constantly raising their hand with question after question. Your instructors likely have a schedule of topics they need to hit during the lecture. By asking an inordinate amount of questions, you're throwing a wrench in that plan.
Also, excessive question-asking can get on the nerves of your fellow classmates. If you have a lot of questions, respect your instructors' and your classmates' time by taking them up with the instructors after class or during office hours.
First, by not paying attention to the instructors, you're showing them disrespect. Second, surfing the web during class can also distract the classmates sitting behind you.
It's hard to pay attention to a lecture about sorting algorithms when the person in front of you is scrolling through a more enticing article on Buzzfeed ("10 Kittens That Look Like Tayler Swift!").
And for the love of Pete, save the Not-Safe-For-Work content for the privacy of your home.
Before asking general questions about the course, check the syllabus first. Most instructors carefully craft them. Not only do they map out a schedule for the entire course, but they also try to include answers to every conceivable question a student might have.
Also, be sure to take notes when the syllabus changes, as it's rare that it'll go unchanged for the entire course. It's your responsibility to remember any changes that get announced regarding the schedule and assignments.
It's disrespectful to the instructor and to your classmates who are actually trying to pay attention.
Instructors will often linger after class a bit for students to ask questions. If you have a question, feel free to approach your instructors, but don't monopolize their time.
This isn't the place to ask them about the history of computer programming. They likely have a todo list longer than a James Cameron movie. And there might be other students who'd like to talk to them as well.
If you feel like you need to continue the conversation with your instructors, visit them during office hours. But come prepared.
Don't just show up and say, "I need help," thus forcing the instructors to spend 30 minutes figuring out what exactly you need help with.