A student in Austria has shared a video demonstrating a unique tradition among students for expressing appreciation to their professors after class. The video, posted by Jo Ano on Instagram, showcases her classmates and her knocking on their desks as a form of applause. This practice, known as “Akademisches Klopfen,” has garnered significant attention online, with the post receiving around 63,700 likes.
The custom of desk knocking developed in the 18th century as a response to lectures, evolving from students drumming on desks with sticks to signify discontent, into a respectful gesture of acknowledgment. Notably, this method allows students to show appreciation without interrupting the lecture, as one hand is typically occupied with note-taking. This tradition is common in both Austria and Germany, where it remains a significant custom in higher education.
The video also highlights that if students need to ask questions during class, they will knock twice on their desks.
- Why it matters:
- This practice highlights cultural differences in classroom etiquette, potentially influencing how students worldwide express appreciation and respect in educational settings.
- Understanding these variations may benefit educational institutions in developing culturally relevant strategies for student engagement.
- The latest: The video continues to gain traction on social media, illustrating the global interest in diverse educational customs.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/why-austrians-knock-on-desks-after-class-viral-clip-has-netizens-obsessed/articleshow/125365203.cms
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/why-austrians-knock-on-desks-after-class-viral-clip-has-netizens-obsessed/articleshow/125365203.cms