1. Biological adaption to climate change- This class contains more hippies than any other class I have ever taken. For the record, hippies in Australia don't brush their hair or wear shoes either. It's almost like being in Bellingham. Just kidding Bellingham kids! Only some of you are that way.
2. Australia's Terrestrial Environment- A class full to the brim with international students. Really, the only Australian accent comes from the teacher. It's mildly upsetting. But, he is actually really cool, so I guess it's okay. He was even understanding when the entire class came late the first day because we were all lost. Talk about a nice guy.
3. Arthropods and Human Health- This class will actually be really interesting, but the main teacher seems to make it more boring than it needs to be. When the teacher is more boring than the powerpoint, we have a problem. Seriously.
4. Genomics and Bioinformatics- Please don't ask me what this is about, because it's the second week, and I'm not sure I've figured it out yet...
Promising I know.
Now to the interesting bits. Apparently everyone here is very well accustomed to the public transportation system. It is totally understood when you are late to class because of a bus. It is completely understood if you are just late to class. It doesn't bother anyone. Yesterday, my teacher answered his phone mid-lecture. He then informed us that he would prefer if we didn't do that. But still. The level of relaxation in the classroom is so... welcoming. I think, and get this, I think it actually HELPS YOU LEARN. You know, not being stressed out all day, might allow things to sink into your head better. What an idea.
On that note, nothing here is graded on a curve. The teachers barely grade you on anything at all. They want you to learn. It's like I stepped into a whole new world here. I am shocked. Pleasantly surprised is more like it. Why have we not adopted this system at home?
Anyway, I have found myself here with a fresh desire to learn things. I feel fantastic.
The Happy Nerd
So true, that is pretty much how I feel about fairhaven. I mean with the lack of grades, the acceptable lateness, and the general relaxed feeling in the classroom. And the idea that learning is more important than grades... We have adapted that in the US, it just very rarely shows up. And many people think that it's schooling for "hippies that have no idea what they are doing with their lives." Have fun, hippie. ;)
ReplyDeleteMostly I just want to know how arthropods relate to human health :D
ReplyDeleteWell Jakob, they are vectors for a bunch of viruses and pathogens. They feed on blood. They can inject poison etc.
ReplyDelete