Temperature goes up, students go out

by Sara Bisker
For The Post

Ohio University students are trying to find a balance between academics and recreation as the weather heats up.

Michael Burton, professor of political science, said more students are skipping his class this quarter.

"I think a few people take advantage of the weather," he said. "I certainly wouldn't say a drastic amount of people do, though."

Class attendance wavers each quarter, said Royal Mapes, professor of geological sciences. Some students always go to class, some never go to class and a small group will miss class if there is something better to do.

"Just for the record, I used to be the same way," said Mapes, who attended the University of Arkansas.

OU professors said it is becoming harder to keep students' attention in the classroom. Mara Holt, associate professor of English, said she has considered changing her teaching tactics to get students involved.

"I haven't changed the way I teach to get more student participation," she said. "But I have thought about teaching smaller classes for group work and more student interaction."

Sophomore Jim Drake said his professors are keeping him on his toes.

"In a couple of my classes, teachers assign small in-class assignments, so that anyone who is there will get the points," he said.

The OU Scalia Lab predicts temperatures reaching the 80s this week. But despite the high temperatures, some students said they have no problems concentrating.

"(Better weather) hasn't affected my GPA, but I can definitely see how it could easily affect someone else's," Drake said.

Senior Katie Early said she enjoys reading on College Green. Early has skipped classes before when the weather was nice.

"I find it easier to skip now (than Fall or Winter Quarters)," Early said. "I bring homework out, but I don't get it done."