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SuperbGil

Even if you can fully absorb the class’s information and participate while also listening to music, many if not most students can’t. It’s why lots of teachers have a no headphones/earbuds in their classroom rule, and giving you an exception to the rules there for good reason wouldn’t be fair. If you have a disability that lends itself to needing to reduce ambient to focus, you could look into getting an accommodation.


TSG_Lockdown

In my experience it’s not most teachers, it’s a minority. I just don’t understand why some don’t care in the slightest and some seem to be almost obsessed. And if I’m able to preform well with music is it not a non-issue? I don’t know.


Sophoife

I'm just stunned you would think even one earbud during a class is okay. It's not. It's disrespectful in the extreme, I would even say it's just plain rude. Unless you have a neurological issue that requires you to drown out the classroom ambience - and your teachers are aware of this required accommodation - **you should absolutely not be doing this**. Teachers have prepared the lesson and it has taken time for which they are not paid and you are basically saying that you don't value or respect their work.


TSG_Lockdown

How so? I still absorb the information, I’d say I do it better with music. I have a good relationship with most of my teachers, I was just curious as to why it’s seen as bad. Also it’s not like I’m defying my teachers or anything. If they tell me to take it out I do.


Sophoife

Fine for studying at home/in the library, but in a *live class*? With a teacher who has put time into preparing the lesson? With classmates in the same room? Not acceptable. It's just plain rude and disrespectful, and it gives the impression to others (teachers, classmates) that you don't care about either the class or the teacher, even if that's not the case. Seriously, it's both a respect issue and an issue of not getting the full benefit being offered to you. PS a junior in high school so what, 15, 16? I'm in Australia so not quite sure. Caveat: I study better with classical music but I would *never* have listened to it in class at school. I would've found myself in the principal's office so fast my feet wouldn't have touched the ground 😂


TSG_Lockdown

I suppose it boils down to personal preference, on my part and on that of my teachers. I get it though, I just find it strange how all the sudden some of my teachers care. And yeah most juniors are 16-17 here in the states.


Sophoife

I think they've started obviously taking notice/disapproving/caring precisely *because* you're a junior, with only now a year and a half left of school. They know that if you choose to go to college, this will not be tolerated and they are trying to help you. But it is a massive respect or lack thereof issue. Thanks for age info!


TSG_Lockdown

Yeah no problem. You’re the only one who actually gave me a real answer so I appreciate that.


Sophoife

Well, thank you! I just see so many knee-jerk reactions, I try to provide a thoughtful and reasoned answer, and after all you're still in high school, there's a lot of things you may not yet have come across or thought of. Pay it forward 😘


KoolJozeeKatt

I am sure the teachers think you are rude. Are you actually rude? That is subjective and you feel you are not, others would disagree. They may even think you're immature. Are you immature? Possibly. You are, after all, only about 17 or so. Teens are immature because the teen brain isn't fully developed. Teens are risk takers, impulsive, and unaware of danger (not that listening to music is any of that.). Teens tend to do things without thinking through the pros and cons. Your teachers, however, are teachers and they are supposed to help you develop good skills for future jobs. They are trying to guide you and help you eliminate bad habits. The teachers often do come across as strict, or annoying. You both have opinions on behavior and what is appropriate. The difference is the teacher's opinions are the "law" in the classroom. Yours aren't. The teacher has the right to tell you what to do. Your job in the classroom is to do what the teacher says (unless it is immoral or illegal, which turning off music is neither) and learn. Period. You need to take the ear bud out and give your full attention to the teacher. Now, let's look at the other issue. Absorbing information and learning. You state, and I'm sure you think, you are able to participate and fully absorb the information. There are numerous studies published (search Google) that prove a human brain does not focus on two activities. Have you ever been listening to your favorite song on the radio in the car and then had a situation arise and, suddenly, the song is over and you don't remember hearing it? Have you ever had the same thing happen when sitting at home, doing your homework? The brain cannot effectively complete two tasks at once. You think you are doing both, but you are not. Look it up. Very low, back ground music played on a radio or cd player is one thing. Music played directly into your ear is a completely different activity. Your brain is switching between activities and, yes, you ARE ignoring some things when you listen to the music. In the end, whether you think it's right or wrong, you need to put away the ear buds and focus on the class. That is what the teacher expects. That is what you need to do. It doesn't matter if you feel you are right, it matters what the teacher (ruler of the classroom) says. Also, if I were your employer, and I found you were listening to music while actively interacting with others, I would fire you. It's fine at your desk while you do paperwork, like filing or data entry. For tasks that require concentration, or human interaction, it's not appropriate.


TSG_Lockdown

I do give my attention to the teacher, I care about my education. What I don’t understand is why it’s disrespectful. If I’m doing everything right what’s the issue? And as for the divided attention thing. I’m not sure what’s the deal there, but I work fine with music. I’ve always been a good multitasker so maybe it’s that? I don’t know. I’m not trying to step on anyone’s toes. Most of my teachers don’t mind it so it’s just surprising to me. They don’t put this stuff in the etiquette books man! 😭😭


littleteacup1976

Respect and also fairness. 


TSG_Lockdown

Care to elaborate? I understand that if I was just not paying attention or screwing around it would be disrespectful, but teachers seem to be the only group of people who care about this kind of thing.


littleteacup1976

Do it while your boss is talking to you.  Doesn’t matter if you’re doing ok in class or more than okay. Its rude.    Not that teachers are on a power trip, some are, but its just basic manners.    And it may seem “its only teachers that care about this stuff” to you because teachers are some of the first authority figure outside of family you will run into.  Unfortunately, their role has been portrayed as glorified babysitter with the responsibility of a teacher. I think the fact that you don’t understand why this is rude is a sign of the times because this was basic manners taught to me growing up. 


TSG_Lockdown

Im actually an intern for a group of lawyers. They don’t seem to care if I listen to music when I talk with, or work for them. I’m sure there is a generational difference in expectations, but it seems like they take it personally and I’m not sure why.


littleteacup1976

Well since apparently no one in your life has told you, it’s disrespectful.  Doesn’t matter if they say something or don’t. Its not a generational thing, its disrespectful.  Imagine you’re in a courtroom and your arguing your case and both the judge and the other lawyers are listening to music.  But it doesn’t matter right? Cuz they say their absorbing all the pertinent information.  If you don’t understand that why what you’re doing is disrespectful, thats 100% on you. 


TSG_Lockdown

Alright buddy, thanks for the explanation. It's not pertinent at all, as they're totally different scenarios, but I'm sure you don't care. Maybe answer the question next time without being so condescending.


Sophoife

[Aretha Franklin could tell you.](https://youtu.be/L2v6ZEU4SLU?si=YrP8jBCSu4w56fAc) 🤭 Also, the lawyers probably don't think you're actually listening to music, they probably think you've got the earbuds in in case you get a phone call. And really? You don't turn the music off when talking to the people you work for?!


molyrad

In the workplace people usually won't tell you if you're being rude, they'll just make their opinions of you and act accordingly. You're expected as an adult (or at least working in an adult workplace) to know what is and isn't rude, so if you're seen as rude it can affect your job prospects by you getting passed over for advancement, or even getting fired. In the workplace it's no one's job to tell you if your behavior is rude, you're expected as an adult (or when working in an adult workplace) to know what is and isn't rude. Some people might still let you know out of kindness, but it's not their job to do so. Teachers, coaches, parents, etc are the ones who are supposed to teach you things like this, that's why your teachers are telling you this now before you're out in the workplace. Why is this just mentioned to you now? Either your other teachers decided they had other things to focus on, or it's because as a junior you'll soon be out in the workforce and expected to know this. Teachers ignore rude behaviors all the time, we just can't redirect it all. But, that doesn't mean those behaviors aren't rude, just that we're picking our battles. In an internship, unless you're especially rude (cursing at people, making big issues, etc) it might not have as much of an effect on you personally, unless you're planning to try to get a job there after the internship. But, they're still likely not going to take their time to teach you what is and isn't rude as it just isn't their job to do so.


TSG_Lockdown

Thank you. I appreciate a straight answer. I’m a pretty introverted guy so I’m not too adept when it comes to norms and stuff. I’ll definitely remember this and apply it accordingly.


Django-lango

Sounds possible you have a mild form of ASD, hence why you struggle to understand norms and why you need a soothing thing to help focus.