Classroom seating arrangements

There are many teaching methods for your lesson topics,

so why not change your classroom interior based on your
lesson? Sometimes, students have to work in groups,
sometimes you give a presentation, sometimes you do
some corner work. Every strategy needs an effective
classroom arrangement.
 The positions of your ss’ and yourself will
depend on:

 Space available

 Type of chairs/tables

 Age of ss’

 Activity

 Student personality

 Teaching Style & Objectives

This is the most important factor and, unlike the others
we’ve listed, it’s completely in your hands. Classroom
seating arrangements support your teaching style and
objectives
 • Who do you want to be the focus of the class?

•Teacher-Centered Class: If your class is going to be lecture- and

presentation-centric, use a configuration where all students can see
you.

•Learner-Centered Class: With these classes, student discussion and

group work are paramount. Find a seating arrangement that encourages
students to interact with one another.

•Both: Many educators adhere to the belief that a balanced education

has a healthy mixture of both teacher-centered presentations and
student-based discussions and work. Look for seating layouts that are
flexible and functional.
 • How do you want the class to interact?

Minimal: Interaction flows from the teacher to the student.

Student-to-student discussion is scarce. Testing and individual
work also dominate the class.

•Small Groups: Students interact in pairs or small groups.

•Large Groups: Students engage in group discussions and

lessons with the entire class.
•What are your learning objectives?

• Knowledge: Students will learn and understand the content of the coursework. Use configurations that support
independent activity and emphasize focus on content.

•Skill Growth: Students develop a certain set of skills during this course. For skills that rely on cooperation,
communication, teamwork, reflection, etc., layouts that encourage group work and discussion are preferred.
 Traditional

 The traditional lecture setup typically consists of rows of fixed

seating.
 Students face the instructor with their backs to one another.
The teacher has a clear view of all the ss’
 Easy lecturing. Eye contact
 The teacher can move freely around the class
 Effective for whole class activities

 The highest communication interactions between professors

and students typically occurs with students in the first row or
along the middle of the classroom. Students in back rows are
more likely to be less engaged.
Alternative
Configurations
Stadium
A variation of the classic row configuration and runway, desks
are grouped in clusters but all facing the same direction. Like
runway, this layout is best suited teacher-centric classes.
Runway

Best used with smaller classes, this setup puts the emphasis on
the educator. The teacher uses the runway between the two
rows of facing desks to conduct the lessons. This layout is great
for discussions and lecture based classes.
Combination

You can use this arrangement if you have ss’ with different
learning styles and learning levels.

If you have ss’ with behaviour problems

Mix and match any configuration to best fit your needs and
your students’ abilities. For example, set up part of the room as
rows for students who need to focus on individual work and
another part as a mini horseshoe for students who require
more discussion-based activities.
This seating arrangement involves an inner and
outer horseshoe, and similar to the conventional
horseshoe, invites greater discussion than the
traditional format. It is more limited by the backs
of students within the inner circle facing students
in the outer circle. However, students may also
more easily interact with those nearest to them or
turn around and face students behind them for
group work.