The problem is that students have no problem just stopping whatever their doing if it bores them. They expect it all to be handed to them. Derik, I agree that people are a product of society. I think it would be interesting to see students from other cultures and see if students behave the same way. Students form American society are definitely accustomed to fast service, instant gratification and these customs flow over into school.
European culture moves at a different pace.
There are students in my school from many countries and you notice the difference in their behaviour and attitude in the classroom.