Discussion Leader Ch. 5 - Natalie

What do you think defines “a good class”?
Nathan says as far as the “perfect” class “In the end, I saw the worth of this course, as well as its student appeal” (pg 105). My group feels that components of not necessarily the “perfect” class, but a good class include an easy professor, a class where you learn a lot, there is an openness amongst students and the material is intriguing and presented in an interesting way so you’re not bored.

Do you think the topics mentioned on pg 98 seem realistic?
On page 98 Nathan posts a questionnaire in the girls bathroom about what their late night conversations are about. The following topics were reported “in order of their frequency of mention: (1) boys, meeting boys, and sex, (2) bodies, bodily function, and body image, (3) relationships and relationship problems, (4) one’s childhood, personal history, and future, (5) TV, movies, games, and entertainment, and lastly, (6) alcohol and drug experiences” (pg 98). My group feels that this is an accurate example of what college student’s talk about. The only changes being boys number one most talked about thing is girls, meeting girls, and sex as well as alcohol and drug experiences being higher up on the list.

Pg 101 what is college for?
In Nathans book she says “The great majority of students saw elective social activities and interpersonal relationships as the main context for learning” (pg 101). As a group we feel that college definitely is a place where students come to learn so they can get a degree. Many of us are paying half our tuition if not all of it so we’re definitely not here to just throw thousands of dollars away on just making friendships. However college is definitely also about the experiences you have outside of the classroom and the long lasting friendships that you make. “Non-class-related learning was reported as high as 90 percent for some, and very few students ranked class activities as constituting more than 50 percent of what they learn in college” (pg 101).

Would you take your degree and run?
Nathan decides to post the question “If the university would hand you a bachelor’s degree right now, provided you paid for all your credits and left the dorms, would you take the degree and run?” (pg 101). The majority of students said they would not the number one reason being they want to stay in college for “the college experience” (pg 103). As for my group they too would not take their degree and run. They want to stay here to learn as much as they can as well as live it up and live the college experience that they’ve waited all their life for. I however would take the degree and run because I already know what I want to do with my life and I’m ready to start it!