5 Ways to Make Class Go Faster

Have you ever wondered if there was a way to make your classes go by faster? If you are like the vast majority of people, you probably do not enjoy school very much and find that the classes drag on for what feels like an eternity. Luckily, there are many things that you can do to make your classes feel like they are going by a lot faster. In this article, you will find several tips that you can use that will help you get through your classes more quickly.

As silly as it sounds, paying close attention to your classes will actually make the time go by faster. When you are actively engaged in what the instructor is teaching, you will not have time to think about how slow the class is going by. You can do this by taking lots of notes, asking questions, and participating in discussions. By doing this you will learn a lot more and make the classes feel like they are going by at a faster rate.

If you are taking a class that you find to be particularly boring, you might consider sitting near the front of the class. This will help you stay focused and make it harder to get distracted. It also shows the professor that you are interested in the material and that you are not just there to take up space. This will also help you participate in class more and will make the class seem to go by faster.

The Art of Time Manipulation

Time seems to drag on interminably when you’re stuck in a dull class. However, with a little ingenuity and a dash of time-bending magic, you can make those hours fly by. Here are a few tricks to help you master the art of classroom time manipulation:

1. The Power of Engagement: Divide and Conquer

Break down large lectures into smaller, more manageable chunks. By focusing on one specific topic or section at a time, you’ll find it easier to stay focused and engaged. Use notes, to-do lists, or even sticky notes to keep track of what you’ve covered and what’s still to come. This structured approach creates a sense of progress, which will make time seem to pass more quickly.

2. The Multitasking Mirage

Contrary to popular belief, multitasking can actually slow you down. When you try to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, your brain has to switch back and forth between tasks, which can waste valuable time. Instead, focus on one task at a time and give it your undivided attention. This will help you stay focused and complete tasks more efficiently, leaving you with more time to spare.

3. The Power of Positive Perception

Your perception of time can be influenced by your attitude. If you approach class with a negative attitude, time will seem to crawl by. On the other hand, if you view class as an opportunity to learn and grow, time will seem to pass more quickly. Try to find something interesting or engaging in each lesson, and focus on the positive aspects of your class experience. This will make class seem less like a chore and more like a valuable investment.

4. The Pomodoro Technique

Break your study time into 25-minute intervals, separated by short breaks. During each interval, focus solely on the task at hand. When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break to clear your head. This technique helps to maintain focus and prevent burnout, making class time seem to go by faster.

Class Duration	Break Duration
25 minutes	5 minutes
50 minutes	10 minutes

Distract and Deceive

One of the most effective ways to make class go by faster is to find ways to distract yourself and deceive the teacher into thinking you’re paying attention. Here are a few tips:

Pretend to take notes

Even if you’re not actually writing anything down, the act of pretending to take notes can make it look like you’re engaged in the lesson. This can help you avoid getting called on or asked to participate, which can give you a few minutes to catch up on other work or simply zone out.

Doodle or draw

If you’re not good at pretending to take notes, you can always try doodling or drawing instead. This can be a great way to relieve stress and keep your mind occupied, and it can also help you remember the material better. Just be careful not to make too much noise or you might get caught.

Stare out the window

If you’re really struggling to stay focused, you can always try staring out the window. This can be a great way to clear your head and give your eyes a break. Just be careful not to get caught daydreaming or you might get in trouble.

Talk to a friend

If you’re feeling really bored, you can always try talking to a friend. This can be a great way to pass the time and make the class go by faster. Just be careful not to talk too loudly or you might get caught.

Mind Over Matter

Changing your mindset can have a significant impact on how you perceive time. Try the following techniques:

1. Focus on the Present

Dwelling on boredom or imagining the end of class can slow down time. Instead, bring your attention to the present moment. Pay attention to what the teacher is saying, take notes, and actively participate in discussions.

2. Set Small Goals

Breaking down large chunks of time into smaller intervals makes them seem more manageable. Set small goals within the class, such as completing a section of notes or understanding a particular concept. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and make the overall time pass faster.

3. Harness the Power of Imagination

Engage your imagination to visualize time passing quickly. Here are a few techniques:

Imagination Technique	Description
Time Warp	Imagine time speeding up like a fast-forward button on a video player.
Tunnel Vision	Focus your attention on a specific task and imagine yourself moving through a tunnel that represents the duration of class.
Accelerated Clock	Visualize a clock moving faster than normal, indicating the rapid passage of time.

Engage and Encapsulate

An engaged mind is an encapsulated mind. By actively participating in class, students can not only enhance their understanding of the material but also make time pass by quicker. Here are a few tips for staying engaged and captivated in class:

Be Prepared:

Coming to class prepared with the necessary readings and materials will help you stay focused and absorb the information more efficiently. Previewing the material beforehand will give you a foundation to build upon, making the lecture more comprehensible and engaging.

Take Active Notes:

Instead of simply copying down what the teacher says, try to engage actively with the material by taking notes that reflect your own understanding. Summarize key points, ask yourself questions, and connect the information to other concepts you already know. This process will force your brain to process and retain the information more effectively, making the time fly by.

Ask Questions and Participate:

Don’t be afraid to ask questions or contribute to class discussions. When you actively participate, you become a part of the learning process, rather than just a passive recipient of information. This not only helps you clarify your understanding but also keeps you mentally stimulated and invested in the material, making the time pass more quickly.

Sub-topic	How it can make class go by faster
Be Prepared	Provides a foundation, making the lecture more comprehensible and engaging
Take Active Notes	Forces your brain to process and retain the information more effectively
Ask Questions and Participate	Makes you a part of the learning process, keeping you mentally stimulated and invested

Break the Monotony

Engage in Active Learning

Transform passive listening into active participation. Volunteer to answer questions, participate in discussions, or work on group projects. Engaging with the material not only enhances your understanding but also keeps your mind engaged, making the time pass more quickly.

Incorporate Breaks

Scheduled breaks can provide much-needed mental resets. Encourage the instructor to allow for short intervals throughout the session, even if it’s just for a few minutes to stretch, walk around, or clear your head. These breaks will prevent boredom and revitalize your focus.

Visualize the Material

Create visual representations of the lecture notes, such as mind maps, diagrams, or drawings. By engaging multiple senses, you’re more likely to retain the information and make the learning process more engaging. This visual stimulation can make the time go by faster.

Connect with the Instructor

Building a personal connection with the instructor can foster a more stimulating learning environment. Ask questions, share insights, or engage in respectful debates. By interacting with the instructor, you’ll not only gain a deeper understanding of the subject but also make the class more enjoyable, which will help the time go by more quickly.

Utilize Technology Wisely

Technology	Usage
Laptops/tablets	Take notes, engage in simulations, or access additional resources
Educational apps	Interactive games, quizzes, or videos that reinforce concepts
Social media	Connect with classmates, ask questions, or engage in online discussions

By incorporating technology responsibly, you can enhance your learning experience and make the class more engaging, which will make the time pass more quickly.

Embrace the Unexpected

Sometimes, the most unexpected moments can become the most memorable and rewarding of our lives. Embracing the unforeseen can not only improve our enjoyment of the journey but also provide us with unique opportunities for growth, discovery, and adventure. Here are a few reasons why it’s worth embracing the unexpected:

It Breaks the Monotony

Life can often become routine and predictable, leading to a sense of boredom and dissatisfaction. Embracing the unexpected breaks this monotony, adding excitement and spontaneity to our experiences. It helps us break free from our comfort zones and discover new hobbies, passions, and activities that we might not have otherwise encountered.

It Keeps us Alert and Engaged

When we’re constantly surrounded by the familiar, our minds become complacent. Embracing the unexpected keeps our brains active and engaged, as we navigate unfamiliar situations and process new information. This cognitive stimulation helps us stay sharp, adaptable, and open to new ideas.

It Creates Memorable Experiences

The most memorable moments of our lives are often those that were unexpected. These are the experiences that we cherish and share with others, as they bring a sense of surprise, wonder, and joy. Embracing the unexpected increases the likelihood of creating these unforgettable moments that shape our identities and memories.

It Fosters Personal Growth

Unexpected events can often push us outside of our comfort zones and challenge our beliefs. By embracing the unexpected, we are more likely to learn from these experiences, develop new skills, and grow as individuals. Whether it’s navigating a difficult situation or meeting new people from different backgrounds, embracing the unexpected can help us expand our perspectives and become more resilient.

It Boosts Creativity

When we’re faced with the unexpected, we’re forced to think on our feet and come up with creative solutions. Embracing the unexpected fosters innovation, as it allows us to see things from different angles and come up with ideas that we might not have otherwise considered.

It Encourages Gratitude

Unexpected events can often be seen as negative, but they also provide us with a valuable opportunity to practice gratitude. By focusing on the positive aspects of these unexpected experiences, such as the lessons we learned or the new opportunities they presented, we can cultivate a more positive and appreciative outlook on life.

The Importance of Physicality

Incorporating physical movement into teaching can be immensely beneficial for students’ engagement and retention. Here are seven reasons why:

Increased Blood Flow to the Brain:
Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for higher-order thinking skills, such as attention, memory, and problem-solving.
Enhanced Focus:
Movement breaks up prolonged sitting, reducing restlessness and fatigue. It helps students maintain focus by stimulating the vestibular and proprioceptive systems, which provide information about body position and balance.
Improved Mood:
Physical activity releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Students who engage in physical movement during class may experience reduced stress and increased feelings of well-being, fostering a positive learning environment.
Cognitive Flexibility:
Alternating between physical and cognitive activities improves cognitive flexibility, the ability to switch between different thinking styles and perspectives. By incorporating movement into lessons, students can better respond to unexpected situations and adapt to changing learning demands.
Embodied Learning:
Physical activity engages multiple senses and provides a multi-sensory learning experience. By connecting concepts to physical actions or gestures, students create stronger neural pathways, enhancing memory and understanding.
Active Recall:
Incorporating movement into review activities encourages active recall, where students retrieve information from memory by physically demonstrating or acting it out. This process strengthens neural connections and improves long-term retention.
Reduced Restlessness:
Movement breaks and fidgeting can help students who struggle with restlessness or attention deficits to remain engaged and focused. By allowing students to release excess energy through physical activity, teachers can create a more inclusive learning environment and improve overall class engagement.

Embrace Technology Wisely

Incorporating technology into the classroom can not only enhance the learning experience but also help classes go by faster. Here are some specific ways to leverage technology to your advantage:

1. Utilize Interactive Whiteboards

Interactive whiteboards are digital displays that allow students to actively participate in lessons. They can annotate slides, solve problems, and collaborate with classmates, making the learning process more engaging and time-efficient.

2. Implement Digital Note-Taking

Encourage students to use digital note-taking apps, such as Evernote or OneNote. These tools allow for easy organization, search, and collaboration, saving time spent on manual note-taking and searching.

3. Leverage Online Quizzes

Incorporate online quizzes as frequent formative assessments. They provide instant feedback to students and identify areas for improvement, helping them stay on track and reducing the time it takes to identify learning gaps.

4. Gamify Learning with Educational Games

Educational games can make learning fun and engaging. They provide a playful way to practice concepts and reinforce knowledge, which can reduce the perceived time it takes to complete tasks.

5. Encourage Discussion Forums

Create online discussion forums where students can share ideas, ask questions, and collaborate. This fosters a sense of community and allows students to learn from each other, potentially reducing the need for extended teacher explanations.

6. Share Instructional Videos

Incorporate instructional videos into your lessons to provide visual and auditory content. These videos can convey information more efficiently than lectures alone, saving time and enhancing comprehension.

7. Use Educationally-Sound Apps and Websites

Explore and incorporate apps and websites that align with your curriculum. These resources can provide interactive exercises, simulations, and other engaging content that can supplement your lessons and make them more time-efficient.

8. Showcase Student Work Digitally

Method	Benefits
Online Portfolios	Students can easily showcase their work and receive feedback, reducing the time spent on manual grading and providing opportunities for rapid improvement.
Class Websites	Teachers can display student projects and assignments on a class website, allowing for easy access and peer-to-peer learning.
Cloud-Based Collaboration Tools	Students can collaborate on projects in real-time using cloud-based tools, speeding up the development process and reducing the need for extended teacher guidance.

Harness the Power of Preoccupation

The key to making class go by faster is to keep your mind occupied. Here are nine ways to do that:

1. Take Notes

Writing down what the teacher says will help you pay attention and stay engaged. Plus, you’ll have a record of the material to study later.

2. Draw Pictures

Doodling can be a great way to focus on the lesson while still letting your mind wander a bit. Just make sure not to get too distracted!

3. Talk to Yourself

Whispering to yourself about the material can help you process it and stay engaged. Just be careful not to talk too loudly!

4. Sing Along

If the teacher is playing music, sing along to the lyrics. This will help you stay focused on the lesson and make the time go by faster.

5. Play Games

If the lesson is particularly boring, try playing a game in your head. For example, you could try to come up with as many synonyms for a word as possible.

6. Meditate

Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. This will help you relax and clear your mind, which can make class go by faster.

7. Read Ahead

If you’re ahead on the material, read ahead in the textbook. This will give you a better understanding of the lesson and make class more interesting.

8. Help Others

Offer to help your classmates with their work. This will not only help them, but it will also keep your mind occupied.

9. Daydream

If all else fails, you can always daydream. Just be careful not to get caught!

Here’s a table of ideas for keeping your mind occupied in class:
Take notes Draw pictures Talk to yourself Sing along Play games Meditate Read ahead Help others Daydream

Practice Patience and Perspective

When class feels like it’s dragging on, it can be easy to get impatient. However, practicing patience can actually help time pass more quickly. Instead of focusing on how long the class is, try to focus on the present moment and appreciate the opportunity to learn. Remember that everyone experiences time differently, and what feels like an eternity to you may not feel that way to someone else.

10 Ways to Practice Patience and Perspective

Action	Explanation
Take deep breaths	Inhale and exhale slowly to calm your mind and body.
Meditate	Spend a few minutes each day practicing mindfulness meditation to train your focus and reduce stress.
Set small goals	Break down the class into smaller, more manageable chunks to make it feel less overwhelming.
Engage with the material	Actively participate in the lesson by taking notes, asking questions, and discussing the topics with your classmates.
Take breaks	If possible, take short breaks throughout the class to give your mind a chance to rest.
Reward yourself	Give yourself small rewards for completing tasks or making it through long classes.
Visualize time passing	Imagine a timer going off or a clock ticking to help you perceive time passing more quickly.
Read a book or article	If allowed, read a book or article that you find interesting to distract yourself and make the class go by faster.
Listen to music	Listen to calming or upbeat music with headphones to block out distractions and improve your focus.
Change your perspective	Remind yourself that class is an opportunity for growth and learning, and try to appreciate the experience.

How To Make Class Go By Faster

Attending class day in and day out can be a lot to keep up with. There are plenty of reasons why students may feel that their classes drag on at a pace that is less than desirable. For some, it could be that they are not interested in the subject matter of the course they are taking. For others, it could be that the pace of instruction is too slow. Or, it could be that they are simply tired.

Regardless of the reason, it is possible to overcome these feelings and make the time go by more quickly. Use the following suggestions to learn how to make class go by faster:

Sit near the front of the classroom. This will help to keep you engaged and focused on the lesson.
Take breaks. If you find yourself getting restless, take a few minutes to get up and move around. This will help to refresh you and keep you from getting bored.
Participate in class. This is a great way to keep your mind active and engaged. If you are not participating, you are more likely to get bored and start to daydream.
Take notes. This will help you to stay focused on the lesson and it will give you something to refer to later when you are studying.
Do the readings. This will help you to have a better understanding of the material that is being covered in class. This will also make it easier for you to participate in class and to take notes.