Mari: Hi, I'm Mari, I'm here with Ron. Today, we're going to debate about if it's better to sit in the front of the class or in the back of the class, so I'm going to start. I always sat front-row-and-center in all of my classes all throughout my education, and I think that it's a lot better to sit in the front of the class because teachers and professors know your name. I feel like the teacher is always looking at me so I stay focused, so I think that's why I sat in the front of the class or I think it's important to sit in the front of the class.

Ron: Well, Mari, I believe that it's not necessarily better to sit in the front of the class because all students aredifferent. Some students will be overwhelmed by the pressure of having the teacher stand right in front of them, talking to them, and they'll forget about taking notes or forget about concentrating and only worry about having the pressure of the teacher standing right in front of them, so in that case, it's good for students to sit in the back of the class so that they can relax and make sure that their mind is free so they can learn what the teacher is saying.

Mari: But are you really learning in the back of the class? Are you focused in the back of the class?

Ron: Yes, you are focused because you're relaxed and you can make sure that the pressure of not having the teacher in front of you doesn't overwhelm so that you can go at your own pace.

Mari: But I don't feel pressure from my professor. I think it's more pressure that I put on myself. But I think that the kids or the students that sit in the back of the class are never really paying attention. They're always just kind of talking amongst themselves.

Ron: And usually, I think they're talking about the subject of the class, so that is even... that's another strong point about sitting in the back of the class. You don't have to interrupt the class and you can just ask your friend quietly on the side if you're unclear about something.

Mari: I think it's better to sit n the front of the class because I think you're able to develop a relationship with a teacher. If I look confused maybe they'll re-explain something or it's a lot easier for me ask questions. I think that maybe teachers think that if sit in the back of the class, they don't really like you.... like the teacher.

Ron: That may be true sometimes, but in my experience it was a lot more comfortable for me to sit in the back of the class with my friends and we could feed off each other, and we could ask each other questions to make sure that we understand the subject, so I think sometimes in class it's more important that you be comfortable than it is to be uncomfortable, but try to impress the teacher.

Mari: I see your point, but I disagree.

Learn Vocabulary from the lesson

front-row-and-center

I always sat front-row-and-center in all of my classes.

Front-row-and-center is the best seat for students who not only want to participate, but see and hear clearly too. Notice the following:

The best students always sit front-row-and-center.

The teach will notice you if you sit front-row-and-center.

overwhelmed

Some students will be overwhelmed by the pressure.

When we are overwhelmed that means we become very emotional. Notice the following:

The workers were overwhelmed by the amount of work they needed to do.

The people affected by the floods were overwhelmed by the level of support they received.

at your own pace

You can go at your own pace.

To go at your own pace means to do something at a speed that is comfortable for you. Notice the following:

I like to jog along so I can run at my own pace.

One good thing about computer classes is students can learn at their own pace.

on the side

You can just ask your friend quietly on the side if you're unclear about something.

When we discuss something on the side that means we talk privately. Notice the following:

I asked the waiter on the side to suggest a good wine.

In the office we often talk sports on the side.

develop a relationship

You're able to develop a relationship with a teacher.

To develop a personal or professional relationship means to become friendly. Notice the following:

It is important for companies to develop a relationship with their customers.

Most teachers try to develop a relationship with their students.