Answer to Question #216970 in English for Gaskin

Question

Based on research from this unit’s reading assignment resources and outside resources, choose three student seating arrangements (ex: traditional rows, stadium seating, small groups, etcetera). Discuss why these seating arrangements appeal to you. Share any past experiences, as a teacher or as a student, that may apply.

Compare and contrast them, being sure to evaluate both the positives and the negatives of each. At the end of your assignment, pick one to defend as being the optimal seating choice for a positive classroom environment.

Answer 1

In a classroom setting, the emphasis is on how the instructor teaches or controls the class and and how the classroom itself is presented. Classroom design is an excellent interactive tool because it offers learners improved social skills, emotional stability, and a sense of security while participating in the entire learning process. In essence, how the setting is put up may influence how learners identify with their classroom, either favorably or adversely. According to Tomlinson and Imbeau (2011), several strategies may be used to promote a pleasant classroom atmosphere. (pg92) The seating arrangements in the classroom are one of these approaches, which will be examined more. There are several methods to arrange student seats, but my focus will be on the standard row sitting technique, the U-shape seating method, and finally,,, the cluster seating method.

Traditional seating has been and continues to be utilized in the majority of schools across the world. The learners are seated in rows, back to back, at their own individual desks and seats, using this seating style. The conventional row sitting appeals to me since it allows the individual student to focus only on the instruction. Everyone is facing the front and can concentrate on the lecture without missing anything. It also allows the teacher to quickly track the pupils' behavior and instantly punish them if they are speaking out of turn.

Furthermore, if a person works effectively alone, it allows them to focus on their own job. This seating arrangement, for example, was employed in my former high school, particularly during major exams. In comparison to the other sitting options mentioned above, conventional seating is beneficial when learners are expected to concentrate on a presentation and provide feedback as needed. Learners can interact with the lessons in the same way that they can with the U-shape and cluster approaches. The disadvantage of this technique is that it restricts the number of students who may engage with the teacher.For example, learners towards the rear of the row may not be focused on or may be unable to participate effectively in conversations because the attention will be on the learners in the front row.Furthermore, conventional seating might make learners feel isolated because they are in individual seating places, making it difficult to engage with their peers.

The U-shape seating, on the other hand, is based on the concept of arranging tables and chairs in a semi-circular/U-shape. (2012) (“Classroom Layouts: Seating Arrangements for Effective Learning”) As a result, the instructor is the main point, yet the teacher has the chance to engage with and observe all of the students during the session. For example, in my classroom, I use this method of instruction to guarantee that all students are interested in the subject and can actively participate in it.The primary element, as with traditional sitting, is engagement with the lesson; however, in this situation, the interaction is largely with the teacher. The teacher has the option of doing one-on-one interactive classes with the pupils. This seating also encourages students to participate in conversations. However, it may be a difficult method, particularly for timid students, who are frequently put on the spot and compelled to participate in lectures.

Finally, the cluster seating technique, which is also known as the grouping method, employs the concept of clustering learners for cooperative learning. Displays2go (Displays2go, 2015) To make the lesson more engaging, the students work in pairs or groups. I generally use this approach when I arrange students in groups for project work over a lengthy period of time. In comparison to other sitting configurations, the cluster/group seating technique enables learners to engage with one another, resulting in a 3 familiarity that is typically comfortable. This setting, however, does not guarantee that all learners will engage successfully among themselves.As a result, it does not provide a genuine representation of an individual's talents in collaborative assignments.

The U-shape seating arrangement, in my opinion, should be employed to promote a good sitting arrangement. This seating arrangement is beneficial since it allows students to engage socially while still developing their uniqueness. Furthermore, because we can track each learner's progress, this seating is ideal for teachers. Furthermore, with this seating configuration, the student is encouraged to build self-confidence.

Finally, the three sitting configurations are beneficial because they promote pleasant contact between teachers and students. However, in my opinion, the U-shape seating arrangement is successful in that it not only stimulates learners to grow socially, but also builds confidence, the capacity to express themselves, and the ability to study well in a pleasant atmosphere.

References

Classroom Layouts: Seating Arrangements for Effective Learning. (2012). Retrieved December 11,

2019, from Today’s Classroom website: https://www.todaysclassroom.com/blog/classroom-layoutsseating-arrangements-for-effective-learning/

Displays2go. (2015, May 12). Effective Classroom Seating Arrangements. Retrieved from

Displays2go.com website: https://www.displays2go.com/Article/Effective-Classroom-SeatingArrangements-32

Tomlinson, C. A. & Imbeau, M. B., (2011). Leading and managing a differentiated classroom.

Moorabbin, Vic.: Hawker Brownlow Education