Pods vs. Rows

Something Mr. Elbaum said in Gov really got me thinking. He said that soon the administration will be mandating that all classrooms are arranged in pods or groups. Elbaum was trying to give us an example about selective integration but it got me thinking, do we really work better in groups? Like, do the people we're sitting with really affect us that much? And why do we only sit in pods in math? But partners in science classes, and rows in social studies and english?
I've experienced, at least in my math class, that the people I sit with definitely affect my way of working in class. Some students are lazy and tend to goof off in class and really not pay attention, sitting with one of these students, I find myself following suit as if they're lack of effort is rubbing off on me. While sometimes sitting with someone new or someone I might be trying to impress might subconsiously make me try harder and pay more attention to the lesson.
But why is that in English class or social studes we sit in rows? Wouldn't it be helpful to be able to discuss the lecture with a few other students? I guess it has to do witht he structure of the class and that there really isn't too much group work.
This seating arrangement goes deeper than just in the classroom, I think that people act differently based on the people they're with. Sometimes I'm obnoxious and loud, sometimes more quiet and laid back, it really depends on the mooods of the people around you. It seems like who we sit with or spend time with affect us more than we may originally think.

Being Trained

So the first day, Sal just grabbed a seat with us; and sat. Everyone kind of looked at him, and then looked at each other, and was like "uhhhh... what?" A few people said something to try and get a laugh out of the class. Since Sal sat next to me and I asked him if he was gonna go up in front or what. This was... different. How many classes will the teacher on the first day NOT stand and say "Hi, I'm Mr. Whatever and welcome to some class." I knew right away that Soc would be a new experience for me, no numbers, no notes, no problems or formulas or equations. This was something slightly out of my comfort zone, as Sommers would say when I'm running. I think that cross country and Soc are gonna be pretty similar, as in they're not exactly what I'm used to and will take a little big of extra work. But think about how we all thought it was awkward for Sal to sit down and not really lead the class. Like we're trained to expect the teacher to stand in front and lecture while us, the students, just sit and listen and hope to soak in information. What other things are we trained in without even thinking about it?

Second "First Post"

Who am I? Excellent question. First off I can say that I'm easy going. I let things roll off easily and not let many things bother me, It really allows me to hardly be stressed. I'm also sarcastic. Not in the mean way, but in the fun, joking, completely non-serious way. I can also say that I'm analytical and good with numbers. Not to say I'm some math genius, but like I like numbers. I'm majoring in electrical engineering, so maybe that gives you an idea of the kind of stuff I like, at least academically. Running is also a big part of my life. I came in 6th in the conference in 300 hurdles last year and this year my goal is to go to state. It's starting to take up more and more time as track season starts up. So that's one of my goals, go to state this year and possibly run in college. I'd say a more long term goal would be to be successful and happy in life. This isn't exactly measurable in the sense of Ms. Fischer's "SMART" goals but it seems like a reasonable and achievable thing.

First

What's up world? Just wanted to test my iPhone app for blogging. Most likely will get used for last minute blogs for class.


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