Why No One Asks Questions in Class — And Why They Should

It’s been twenty minutes since class began. I had just introduced a new topic and walked everyone through its applications and importance. Now came that crucial moment when I turned to the students and asked, “Any questions?”

Silence.

Not the peaceful kind. The kind that echoes. Some students buried their heads in their notebooks as if decoding a secret formula. A few tried their best to look asleep. Others just looked confused, wearing expressions that screamed, “Wait, what did he just teach us?”

I paused, giving them time to process, hoping a hand might go up. But nothing. The longer I waited, the more certain it became—they were waiting for me to just move on.

So I did what every teacher secretly dreads but knows is necessary: I pointed to students at random and asked them to explain what we’d just covered. They stammered through a few keywords, clearly unsure. When I asked a follow-up, the room returned to its natural state: silence.

This wasn’t about shyness alone. It was clear that many didn’t fully understand—but didn’t want to ask. That got me thinking.

Why do teachers ask, “Any questions?” in the first place? Is it just to check if the class is following? Or is it a clever excuse for a short break before jumping into the next topic?

And what about the students? Why don’t they ask, even when they clearly need help? Is it fear of embarrassment? Worry about sounding “dumb”? Or maybe they’ve already tuned out?

But here’s the thing: asking questions isn’t just about clearing doubts. It’s about opening a door for both the student and the teacher.

When a student asks a question, they’re inviting the teacher into their thought process. That’s a powerful thing. No one, not even the best teacher, can read minds. But a question gives us a glimpse inside. It shows where the student is struggling or what sparked their curiosity. It lets the teacher respond better, explain differently, and connect more deeply.

Over time, this kind of interaction also helps teachers understand how a student thinks. That’s incredibly valuable, especially when it comes to writing recommendation letters or helping students grow. Even if a student struggles academically, good questions show potential. And for those struggling to ask good questions? Teachers can guide them on how to get better.

All it takes is one question to start a conversation that could lead to understanding, confidence, and even opportunity.

So next time you're in class—whether you're completely lost or just a little unsure—ask the question. It might just change the way you learn.

Why It Rains Cats and Dogs: A Thermodynamic Tale

 “It’s Raining Cats and Dogs!” – What Does That Even Mean?

You’ve probably heard someone—most likely from an older generation—exclaim, “It rained cats and dogs today!” Now, if you pictured furry creatures tumbling from the sky, you're not alone. But of course, no actual pets were harmed in this expression.

So, what does it mean? Simply put, it's a quirky way to describe a heavy downpour. But have you ever wondered: why cats and dogs? Why not frogs and elephants? Or books and boots?

To uncover the strange beauty of this idiom, let’s take a surprising detour into thermodynamics and philosophy.

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Part I: Thermodynamics and the Art of Rain

In the world of thermodynamics, we often analyze systems using two approaches:

1. Control Volume (Open System): Here, we fix our gaze on a specific region in space—say, the inside of a jet engine—and track the energy and mass flowing through it. It’s like watching what enters and leaves a room without following the guests around.
   
   

2. Control Mass (Closed System): This time, we focus on a specific chunk of matter—like a mix of air and fuel in a car engine—and observe how it transforms, wherever it goes. We follow the guests through the party, watching how they change costumes.
   
   

These two perspectives—space-focused vs. object-focused—are key to understanding both thermodynamics... and pets.

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Part II: Cats, Dogs, and Human Nature

Now for the fun part: philosophy. If you've ever had a cat or a dog, you’ll know they behave quite differently.

• Cats are homebodies. They get emotionally tied to places. Move their favorite cushion, and you’ll hear about it.
  
  

• Dogs, on the other hand, are all about people. You could shift homes, cities, even planets—and your dog will wag its tail as long as you’re there.
  
  

So, if cats are like open systems—rooted in a particular space—then dogs are like closed systems—attached to a particular mass (you!).

Humans, too, reflect this dichotomy. Cat people tend to be inward-focused, loving their cozy corners and personal space. Dog people are more outward facing, thriving in social circles and human connections.

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Part III: And Now... the Rain

So, where does rainfall fit in?

When someone says, “It’s raining cats and dogs,” they’re unknowingly referencing both space and mass, just like our two thermodynamic systems. It means the rain is coming down in torrents (mass) and drenching everything across the area (volume). The phrase playfully captures both the intensity and scale of the event.

So next time you hear it's raining cats and dogs, remember: it’s not just an idiom—it’s an open and closed system coming together in poetic chaos.