Kourtney Bailey ’26
Sitting next to your friends in class can be distracting, but is sitting next to friends always a bad thing? In fact, there is research that supports the idea of having friends in academic settings. An article written by Allastair Gaban at Torrens University of Australia, suggests that friends in class help to build routines and increase motivation in the classroom, “simply because the work becomes more fun when it’s done together.”
Most upper school St. Andrew’s students said that they looked forward to class more when they sat next to their friends.
Peer support also plays a major role in class participation. A majority of upper school students said that they found themselves participating more in their academic classes when they sat next to their friends. This is due to a feeling of belonging or a “sense of emotional safety,” said Mr. Whitman, executive director of the CTTL and history teacher. Students tend to feel more comfortable sharing their opinions and ideas when they have a friend to back them up and provide support.
Teachers agree that students tend to feel more comfortable and safe when they are surrounded by their friends in the classroom, but it can also be a distraction.
Mr. Seidman, an upper school English teacher, said that sitting next to a friend can provide comfort in class activities such as group discussions. “But, during individual work,” he said, “it can be distracting.”
Students agreed that whether or not they got distracted during class varied. “It depends on which class and which friends,” said sophomore Imogen Burakiewicz. If they were in a class with friends who took their academics more seriously, then they would be more motivated to take notes and focus on the class material. But if they were in a class with a friend who typically got side tracked, then they were more likely to lose concentration.
Furthermore, most teachers agreed that they would not separate friends unless they were distracted or causing a disruption.
“I do allow friends to sit next to each other in math class,” said Math and Art teacher Ms. Goodrich. But if side conversation ever got out of hand, then she said the students would have to be separated.
Ultimately, as a student, you have to find a balance. Having a friend or two in a class can help by providing support and helping you out when you are confused. But, as Mr. Whitman said, you have to have a sense of “self regulation.”
Friends can also distract you in class, but only if you let them. Instead, take advantage of the benefits of a friend sitting next to you during class. Ask each other questions, hold each other accountable and keep each other engaged. On the other hand, avoid excessive side chatter and disruptive behavior.