Ok so I need some advice. Maybe the students can really help me out on this one.
I had my first test of the semester last week. It was a semi-difficult test but I think I did pretty well. However, the test took me twice as long as it normally would have because there was a girl sitting behind me loudly popping gum bubbles the whole time. Now, chewing, nose sniffling, knuckle cracking, pen clicking, etc. are pretty normal test sounds, and they really don't bother me at all. However having something pop right behind my head every 60 seconds was a different story. I tried to turn around and give her a dirty look hoping she'd get the hint, but you can really only do so much staring during a test (without being accused of cheating).
I really don't think this is a situation that should have ever occured because the stupid TA who was proctoring should have recognized manners that were that horrible as something that might be considered a disturbance and said something along the lines of "hey could whoever is making the popping sounds please stop." No big deal right?
Well now I have a serious dilemma on how to handle the situation. I really want to bring this to someones attention. The tests are normally going to be proctored by the prof. I was thinking I might go speak with her in office hours and explain the situation, and ask that during the next exam such behavior not be allowed. I don't want to seem "whiney or picky" but I don't feel like finding this kind of thing disturbing is something that qualifies my need for "special testing conditions" from disability services.
I don't know what kind of person has lived such a life that makes them think it is ok to behave that way during a test anyway. Maybe she didnt even realize she was doing it. How are you supposed to handle a situation like that? I feel like for my own benefit I should speak up during a test when something like that happens, but thats kind of bitchy and embarassing.
I had my first test of the semester last week. It was a semi-difficult test but I think I did pretty well. However, the test took me twice as long as it normally would have because there was a girl sitting behind me loudly popping gum bubbles the whole time. Now, chewing, nose sniffling, knuckle cracking, pen clicking, etc. are pretty normal test sounds, and they really don't bother me at all. However having something pop right behind my head every 60 seconds was a different story. I tried to turn around and give her a dirty look hoping she'd get the hint, but you can really only do so much staring during a test (without being accused of cheating).
I really don't think this is a situation that should have ever occured because the stupid TA who was proctoring should have recognized manners that were that horrible as something that might be considered a disturbance and said something along the lines of "hey could whoever is making the popping sounds please stop." No big deal right?
Well now I have a serious dilemma on how to handle the situation. I really want to bring this to someones attention. The tests are normally going to be proctored by the prof. I was thinking I might go speak with her in office hours and explain the situation, and ask that during the next exam such behavior not be allowed. I don't want to seem "whiney or picky" but I don't feel like finding this kind of thing disturbing is something that qualifies my need for "special testing conditions" from disability services.
I don't know what kind of person has lived such a life that makes them think it is ok to behave that way during a test anyway. Maybe she didnt even realize she was doing it. How are you supposed to handle a situation like that? I feel like for my own benefit I should speak up during a test when something like that happens, but thats kind of bitchy and embarassing.
plumfairy:
you could simply ask the prof before the next exam about the problem and how he/she suggests you deal with it, meaning should you move to a different part of the room, or maybe he/she can approach the student 'if' the prof notices the disturbances. other than that you'll have to just move yourself or wear earplugs. People take tests in different environments better than others. I had a few friends in college that when they had an engineering test they would go to the test smelling bad (I guess not showering for a few days) and making noises that were not quite out of hand but still bothersome to most. It was their way to make a better curve for themselves. I don't like taking tests in total silence, I need somthing humming or making a constant quiet noise. Hell I hate tests in general but whatever. The girl behind you might be relaxing herself by popping her gum and sniffing and so forth. Not purposefully to hurt you or anyone else, but just to help herself in the exam. Good luck.
vegangirl:
Those people sound like assholes. Simple to me.