Seating arrangements in classroom Seating arrangement for better

Seating arrangements in classroom

Seating arrangement for better classroom management “C areful and appropriate use of physical space available in the classroom can positively affect teacher and student attitudes and propagate holistic learning and development of the student”. Classrooms are complex, busy places. They accommodate many people and activities each day. The physical arrangement of a classroom has significant implications for discipline and classroom management. Many classrooms serve more specialized uses and so would not require versatile arrangement. Different methodologies lend themselves to different spatial arrangements. Some prefer a rigid classroom arrangement. Others prefer a richly furnished environment, which they view as more stimulating to students. G. H. Raisoni Academy for Human Excellence ( A Unit of S. G. R. Eduventures Pvt Ltd) 2

Gregor suggests that students with varied learning styles prefer different classroom arrangements. He is of the opinion that one type of learner prefers a predictable, stable environment that is ordered and quiet. Another type of learner will choose an environment that is mentally stimulating and ordered but devoid of distracting objects. Yet another learner needs an environment that allows for creative expression, freedom of movement and emotional experience. Flexibility is the key word in arranging the classroom for effective instruction. This does not mean moving the furniture arrangement weekly. It does mean being aware that certain variations will facilitate particular teaching and learning tasks. 3

Seating arrangements are an important concern. According to Jones, the best arrangements put the least distance and the fewest barriers between teacher and students. No matter what the seating arrangement is used, it must be flexible. In this way the classroom will more readily accommodate the various learning activities planned by the teacher. The teacher may need to plan seating arrangement to suit the needs of particular students. Workable seating arrangement can help make tasks easier for students and teachers as this allows the teacher mobility and access to monitor student activities which will eventually have a significant impact on student behaviour and learning. 4

Seating arrangement styles for classrooms with individual desks 1. Maximum access: This arrangement places the desk individually. It makes it relatively easy for the teacher to move around the room. G. H. Raisoni Academy for Human Excellence ( A Unit of S. G. R. Eduventures Pvt Ltd) 5

2. Short horizontal rows around a walk way The middle room arrangement places desks in small groupings. It is the most popular arrangement in secondary classrooms, particularly for mathematics. G. H. Raisoni Academy for Human Excellence ( A Unit of S. G. R. Eduventures Pvt Ltd) 6

3. Herringbone style of arrangement The herringbone arrangement is similar to the short horizontal rows, except the desks have been turned at a 45 degree angle. This arrangement is preferred by secondary English and Social Science teachers. It allows students to face each other for classroom discussion. G. H. Raisoni Academy for Human Excellence ( A Unit of S. G. R. Eduventures Pvt Ltd) 7

Seating arrangement styles for classrooms with small desks 1. Rows: This arrangement is convenient and simple ( Fig 1 ) 2. Double “ E” : It alleviates the long walk required by rows. By placing the tables at right angles, seating capacity has been increased. ( Fig 2 ) 3. Semicircle: This arrangement works well when a teacher gives a presentation infront of the class. ( Fig 3 ) G. H. 1 Raisoni Academy for Human Eduventures Pvt Ltd) Fig 2 Excellence ( A Unit of S. G. R. Fig 3 8

Rosenfield, Lambert, and Black found that the students seated in circles engaged in significantly more on task behaviors than those in rows. G. H. Raisoni Academy for Human Excellence ( A Unit of S. G. R. Eduventures Pvt Ltd) 9

“A good classroom seating arrangement is the cheapest form of classroom management. ”– Fred Jones G. H. Raisoni Academy for Human Excellence ( A Unit of S. G. R. Eduventures Pvt Ltd) 10