Does where you sit matter?
Seating arrangements - rows versus group tables
WHERE YOU SIT MATTERS!
Absolutely it does. There are several scenarios that are interesting to me that I could unpack but for now let's discuss the good old debate of seating arrangements in classrooms - rows verses group layouts.
I strongly believe that if you want students to trust each other, share their knowledge and support each other in their learning one of the key ingredients is to ensure that the tables are set up to support this. That and creating the norm that seating arrangements change every few weeks, generally coinciding with the units being taught.
As someone who has taught across Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary I can confirm that this becomes challenging at secondary. And not because students don't want this but rather it seems that teachers prefer this arrangement.
In my experience, mainly through observations of many classes across the region, the row arrangement creates division, isolation and is a way to deliver content in a way to control the class where you are essentially the guest speaker and contribution is low.
Group arrangements on the other hand enforces 'we are a community', 'we can grow and learn together'. It is through group seating arrangements that we develop respect, appreciate differences, and learn new ways of working together.
I'm curious to why some teachers feel that group seating arrangements are not conducive to learning effectively.
What do you prefer and why?
