The retreat I go to twice a year has the policy of no scents, also. Although we hadn't thought of fabric softener sheets! The reason we started the policy is that some brave soul made the request, and we thought it was reasonable. We once had the problem of "bad language," and this is held at a Bible Camp! I'm happy to say the offender was not offended by our correction of her "habit," and still happily attends!

Another thing that drives me up the wall is scents in the classroom. Our local quilt camp is scent free and everyone knows not to wear perfume or scented lotion or hair spray. People are allergic to so many things now days that to make everyone happy, no scents allowed. I remember a retreat that I went to the one gal was so heavily scented, I sat as far away from her as I could. I think it has something to do with old age. I used to wear perfume and scented lotions but I can't stand the smell of anything any more, cigarette smoke really bugs me and fabric softener. I can't even walk down the aisle of the grocery store that displays the soaps and fabric softeners. Oh, well, I had better stop my whining, I am sorry. Judy in my scent free house in AZ

Once a week I attend a class that has about 45 students. Some of them talk in a normal volume, not even trying to whisper, during the whole couple of hours. I am always shushing them. The teacher never tells them to be quiet and I think that is wrong. Like others have said, the teacher sets the tone for the class, whatever age the students may be. I am wondering if it's worth the 32 mile round trip anymore!

Last week, at my guild meeting, several people walked out during the speaker's presentation. It was a very poor presentation and extremely boring to most of us. I politely sat through it, trying to stay awake. Inside my head, I would have heard my mother's scolding, if I had gotten up and left while the speaking was presenting.

Such a lack of manners!

JoAnne in southern Califorinia, looking forward to the International Quilt Festival coming to California!

Our LQS has the "no cell phone in class" rule on the registration form. I don't think that is an unusual request(just like Dr. offices and schools) and I am sure the teachers and students all appreciate it. Elizabeth

This is interesting to me because I teach classes. I never thought I would have to tell adult students how to behave, but I'm realising that it is necessary. Just recently I have twice had students pull out mobile phones and make calls while I was trying to talk to the class. I'm stunned that anyone would think that was OK to do, but it has made me realise that "ground rules" should be set in the first class!

I agree; the teacher should set the rules. I've heard people say stupid things like: "I paid my money too. I can talk if I want to". How rude is that? And how stupid?

I don't know if this falls under etiquette, but I don't like it when the teacher has private conversations herself, or spends the entire time with one person-like a private session.
Since I am so not politically correct, I let the teacher know and I also refuse to recommend that teacher.
eileenkny

The last class that I took, the teacher requested that the cell phones be put on vibrate so as not to disturb the class. I think the teacher should set the rules, in a polite way, of course. Judy in AZ

The thing that amazes me the most when I teach is the cell phones. I taught a class for 3 ladies once and there were no less than 6 calls that came in and interupted the class. I don't know why they don't turn them off at the beginning. I guess they all think they are too important not to be reached at any time. Of course they also sat right there and talked on their phones so I had to either wait or had to repeat what I had taught for them after their call. It's so rude!!

I also hate when someone has to show THEIR way is better or contradicts what I say. This happens rarely, though.

Also, I hate it when people are late or don't have all their supplies. Am I supposed to make the others wait or just accept that I'll have to repeat everything for them and try to catch them up. Also rude!!

Nancy in NY

Mary Kay brings up a good point. The teacher is the one who should maintain control of the classroom - even a class full of adults! It wouldn't have hurt if she said something long ago, laying down ground rules, giving time for comments or questions, etc, and not allowing interruptions. My sympathies (and admiration!) to you for putting up with the disruptions for so long. I hope there is peace as you piece, from now on!

Happens in the business world too. A good practice is to be specific on the ground rules in advance and tell people that these are the things that we agreed to as a team (maybe even take the time to ask for input on what the ground rules are - them write them down and get people's agreement that this is the set of rules that will now govern meetings, etc). It can sometimes prevent the train wreck, as well as it gives all the members/attendees a little more authority when they have to herd someone back toward being respectful of the rules.

I hear you. Good for you for speaking up for yourself and for the rest of the class members! With any luck, this lady will stop attending classes altogether! the instructor may lose a fee, but will gain in the long run because she will no longer annoy other class members.

This sometimes happens at our guild meetings, too. Our officers get up to speak about various "business" issues and the ladies start blabbing among themselves. Not only is it VERY rude to the sainted people who volunteer to be offices, but it stretches out the time it takes to get thru the business and cuts into the fun time! When you ask people to "shush," they act like you just asked them to cut off their leg! Many of these people are talking to others whom they rode with to the meeting, so they can say their piece to them on the way home, for crying out loud!

bethMI

Isn't it a shame that grown-ups have to be told to act like grown-ups? I deal with that kind of thing on my job all the time. Ladyrags you held your tongue alot longer than I would have!
Sherry

Went to a class tonight and had a "RUN IN" with one of the other students. This was a difficult block involving Y seams. This was the first time I have ever had to do this type of blocks and I was trying to listen to the instructor and the lady next to me kept talking through the instruction... saying the typical things idiots say... ie " I don't do it that way." " That does not make any sense, my way is better." Those colors aren't very nice, I would have used XXXX instead. She is always making negative comments. This one lady is always talking through class instruction and being generally obnoxious. I have changed my seat several times to avoid sitting next to her but she some how lands next to me each time. ( I think the other student sit away from her and leave the only seat

Usually I ignore her and just keep on with my sewing but today I was out of sorts and was tired of her behavior. Anyways, I finally had enough and told her I did not appreciate her talking through the teacher's instruction and I found her manners rude. Few more heated words were exchanged. We kind of called a truce for the rest of the class, but I did here her comment (to the teacher) that she was not going to be coming to class if I was there... I did say that was okay by me as I had no intention of quiting the class with or without her attendence.

Golly, I felt I was back in junior high school dealing with the class bully again.



As student's in a class what type of rules would you consider important.