Seating assignments for my class when I was in 6th grade were based upon performance on tests.
I was unprepared for the first test. It was a surprise test based upon reading we had been assigned to do the preceding night.
I did poorly and I ended up in the bottom 1/4 of the class. I was so embarrassed that I never found myself unprepared again. I was in the #1 seat within the end of the week and I didn't fall out of the top 2 for the remainder of the year. Angela Barton and I battled for the top spot every day.

It motivated me.
Some kids threw up their hands and accepted being at the bottom.

I may be unique, but I respond very well to shame.