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Seating arrangement can help or hinder students learning. Schoolroom seats arrangement are,

certainly, the most important part of creating the physical classroom environment (McCroskey &

McVetta,1978). As an educationalist, to decide what seating arrangement is better for his/her

class, must have to consider the age group, grade level and the physical size of the classroom.

For year we have this belief that front rows students are more attentive, focused and

communicate more with the teachers. They are known to answer and ask question. So teachers

has to keep in mind their student’s abilities, selecting those who needs proximity to sustain

attention or get suitable backing. As our aim is to improve those student’s time on task and

learning through our constant interaction.

When considering classroom seating arrangement we would be to note that they are organized by

teachers into logical, methodical design structures that best simplify student learning making use

of the teacher’s personal teaching style, problems can occur when teachers do not choose their

seating arrangements carefully (O’Hare, 1998). Seating arrangements can be transform

constantly throughout the year as students become more self-reliant and comfortable with each

other. In the table below I explained briefly the three pros and cons of each style.

Traditional Class Rows

Pros Cons

It is idea for teacher centered classes. Students can easily be distracted or disengage

during the class.

It concentrates on the educator and content. It is not good for classes with interaction and

conversation.
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It is easy to implement in a large class size It is not easy observing students from the

setting. middle to last rows in the classroom.

The U-shaped seating classroom structure

Pros Cons

Encourages dialogue and interaction. Shy students may feel nervous of being part

of a large group.

It is easy to spot students that can be help. It cannot be use with all age class to control

attitude.

It helps control some student’s behavioral Classroom size and numbers of students in

problem. the class may make it difficult to use.

Small group seating

Pros Cons

It allow students to work together, and small Some pupils may only copy work and not

group give safe areas to interact. involve themselves in learning.

Share information in group work and increase It’s easy for students to dialogue and not

personal knowledge. listen to the teacher.

Teachers can easily support, and monitor Being place in a group by the teacher does not

students work. mean they will work as group.

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Considering these three seating arrangements for my idea classroom which would be in

consideration of the number of students and the physical size of the room. When attempting

lecture-based classes, I would arrange in a traditional seating. When the students are doing Arts

and crafts, will would also arrange small group seating and when it comes to debates, discussion,

and quizzes will would position in U-shaped seating. These three seating arrangements will

definitely help me in keeping a positive classroom environment. Mostly, we commonly used

traditional seating arrangement while allocating seats to students, we don’t usually keep in mind

the students’ attitudes, behaviors, abilities/skills and needs.

References

1. O’Hare, M. (1998). Classroom design for discussion-based teaching. Journal of Policy

Analysis and Management, 17 (4), 706-720. DOI:10.1002/1520-6688(199823)17:4

2. The secret to classroom seating arrangements – How to decide what’s right for you.

https://www.differentiatedteaching.com/classroom-seating-arrangements/

3. Hubert Woodson (2013) The Effectiveness of Classroom Seating Arrangements on

Student