Is it rude to not take notes during class?

i don’t think so. If you look attentive and interested they appreciate that even more.

It’s your prerogative to take notes or not. Why does it matter what the prof thinks?

I typically do worse on tests when I actually take notes. I have to mentally analyze the topic as it’s being discussed, and because I’m such a slow writer it keeps me from thinking quickly. I’m just not much of a note-taker.

I have never thought of it as rude, but then again I have never really thought about whether or not my learning techniques are liked by the professor.

If your not someone that learns by taking notes, it’s definitely a waste of time. Your teacher/professor will know if you are listening simply by eye contact and in class participation. I personally take notes on my computer because it helps me study.

I wouldn’t think so. There have been a few classes where I felt like I didn’t need to write notes (especially if I did the reading beforehand). As the others stated, as long as you look interested and participate in class discussions, I don’t think they would really care.

Not rude at all, the prof knows who is paying attention and you don’t need to be taking notes to do that.

@miasmom: Thank you.

It’s not about whether or not I learn better by taking notes or not, I was just worried that my professor might think me rude if I’m not taking notes because I already know that specific thing he/she is talking about.

I used to be a teacher and I could always tell which students were paying attention and which weren’t and it wasn’t based on whether or not they were taking notes. :)

I don’t think it’s rude at all. I always get out a pencil and paper, but I don’t always use them. I think professors know that students are individuals and some students learn best by take notes but others don’t.

I think teachers do make note of whether you’re taking notes or not. Does this affect your grade? Well… it couldn’t hurt. You don’t really need to be takes notes. Heck, make out your shopping list, just make sure you’re adding items at the end of important statements when you hear all the other pens moving.

if you are paying attention and if the class is small enough to interact and ask or answer questions then the professor will know you are paying attention. and if you do well on the test then the professor prolly wouldnt mind at all lol

I’m a professor, and I do notice whether or not students are taking notes. But, I don’t take it personally if they’re not. I figure that if a student doesn’t take notes, but does well on exams, then that’s great for the student. Some people learn best just by listening. However, if a student isn’t taking notes, does poorly on an exam, and then comes to complain, I usually have a word or two to say about note taking. As others have said, it’s easy to tell which students are engaged and which students have tuned out (even if they appear to be taking notes).

It also depends on the professor. Sometimes they do take things more personally than they should. So, if your prof says something to you about not taking notes, then you can decide whether or not you think it will affect your grade and act accordingly.

I don’t think it’s rude. Honestly, I don’t even care if my classmates are paying attention or not as long as they’re quiet. What irritates me is when people hold conversations during a lecture when I’m trying to pay attention. As long as you’re quiet and you’re not being disruptive then I don’t think it’s rude.