effects_of_classroom_seating_arrangements_on_children's_questions.pdf |
Children were assigned to sit in a semi-circle and then in the row and column seating arrangement for two weeks each. The outcome of this study shows that when the seats were in the semi-circle arrangement the students seemed to be more engaged in the lesson and communicated more. Also, the students who sat towards the front and middle were more likely to speak and answer questions. The reason for this outcome is explained below.
-There is more face to face contact with the semi-circle. When people are facing towards each other making eye contact, they are more likely to communicate with each other.
-This arrangement can be useful for teachers who use interactive boards. Students can see the visual that the teacher is providing. When there is a visual provided students tend to be more interested in the lesson.
-Teachers have a clear view of every student in the class. Teachers can make eye contact with everyone in the class. Students are more attentive to the lesson when they know they are being watched.
-This arrangement creates less distractions for the kids. Since there is only one or two rows in front of the people sitting in the back row the students are more likely to focus on the teacher.
Why the semi-circle arrangement is more beneficial to students rather than the row-and-column:
- If they are in the row and column arrangement they are more likely to focus on what the kid in front of them is doing rather than focusing on the teacher. There can be four or five possible people in front of a kid which can hinder their learning because they are distracted. With the semi-circle arrangement students only have one or two rows in front of them.
- In the row and column arrangement teachers cannot make full eye contact with students because they are sitting directly behind one another. Students think they can get away with not paying attention when the teacher does not see them.
This study shows that students who sit in the front row and towards the middle are more likely to engage in class discussion. People who sit in the back row and at the ends are more likely to be reserved and keep to themselves.
Front row
-61% made voluntary statements
- raise their hands to answer questions and provide feedback
- They are attentive and motivated to do well in class
Back row & middle
-31% made voluntary statements
-raise hand less to answer questions and provide feedback
-Did not seem involved in lesson
In an elementary or middle school classroom setting teachers normally choose where they want their students to sit. Teachers should accommodate the seating arrangement to the semi-circle orientation. If teachers want their students to be successful in the classroom and to develop problem-solving skills, they should create an environment that allows them to do so.
Over the past few days I have been watching the non-verbal actions of students in my classes. I have been paying attention to the location of where people sit and the interaction they have with the professor and other classmates. Students who sit at the front raise their hands to answer more questions or to give their input. They sit straight up and are alert and attentive to what the teacher is saying. Most of them take notes and are always making eye contact with the professor. Student who sit in the back of the room rarely raise their hands to answer questions. They sit in a comfortable, more slouched position. Most of them are on their phones not paying attention nor taking notes. My observations conclude the location where a student chooses in a classroom can have a lot to do with their personality. The more outspoken, creative, competitive people tend to sit in the front of the classroom. The laid back, reserved people sit in the back of the classroom.
Enjoy!
Molly Martin