Talking in Class Isn't That Bad

For centuries, students have gotten in trouble for one simple, natural behavior: talking in class. Teachers get mad, then classmates groan, and sometimes, the fear of changing the seating chart is brought up. But is talking in class really that bad? I say no! In fact, I think that talking in class is actually a public service, and here’s why.

School is meant to prepare us for the real world, right? So what is a skill that everyone needs? Communication! By talking in class, students are simply using their ability to hold conversations, network, and bond with their peers. A businessperson wouldn’t be in trouble for talking at a networking event, so why scold students for doing the same?

Let’s face it, all teachers have a routine for every year and hardly anything changes. They teach the same subjects, grade the same essays, and give the same tests year after year. But there is one thing that does change. It’s when students talk in class! Instant excitement! Now the teacher gets to showcase their elite classroom management skills by strangling the blabbermouths. Talking in class is like giving teachers a fun little challenge to brighten their day. 

Have you ever heard the phrase, "Silence is deafening"? Exactly. Sitting in total silence can be stressful! Talking in class helps create an engaging atmosphere and prevents students from feeling like they’re trapped in a horror movie where they’re waiting for an axe murderer to find them hiding in the closet.

Now, talking in class can actually teach multitasking. Listening to the teacher while also holding a side conversation with your friend? That’s a skill. Students who talk in class are actually training their brains to process multiple streams of information at once, which is something that will definitely come in handy in any work environment, where eating chips during an online meeting is necessary.

We’ve all had that one friend who’s had to ask “What page are we on?” because they weren’t paying attention. Well, if they didn’t ask that question, they would’ve been completely lost! Talking in class is what keeps people on task by asking their peers questions!

Now, let’s be clear, I’m not saying students should have full-blown, whether-or-not-aliens are-real-level conversations. But a little whispered discussion? A quick little joke to a friend about the girl in front of them? They’re all completely understandable. In fact, it should be encouraged by teachers. So next time your teacher gets mad at you for talking or tries to punish you in any way, just tell them you’re practicing your communication skills, training your brain, and keeping classroom culture alive. That response probably won’t get you out of trouble, but it’s worth a shot. Let me know how that goes.