The purpose of seating arrangements is to accomplish classroom tasks efficiently and effectively –Harry K. Wong & Rosemary T. Wong
Characteristics of an Effective Classroom Layout:
- Different activities your students engage in will require a variety of seating arrangements.
- Assigned seats to maximize learning and classroom management, and to minimize behavioral problems.
- Allows students to collaborate, share supplies, facilitate small-group discussions, and support each other.
- Supports active participation
- Separates any potential clique or grouping situation that might prohibit inclusive and effective learning, and may result in behavioral issues.
I plan on implementing a “horseshoe” arrangement with the desks in my classroom, in hopes of fostering better class discussion. Shown in the image below, my desk where I would instruct will be strategically placed in the front of the classroom so that because of the horseshoe arrangement, I will be able to look at every student at all times. With this mindset, not only will I be able to provide constant eye contact to my students to indicate that I value them and their opinions that they bravely share out in class, but their peers will also be able to look at all of their classmates, encouraging classroom community.
In addition to implementing a horseshoe arrangement for the seating arrangements, based on experience in a classroom without assigned seating charts, I believe that seating assignments are crucial for ultimate learning, as well as solving a majority of behavioral issues. Besides social and behavioral reasons, assigned seating arrangments will conclusively speed up classroom procedures, such as taking attendance, that may take away from valuable instruction time.
Edinger, Ted D. (2011) Art Room Set Up 2011. Art with Mr. E. http://www.artwithmre.com/2011/08/art-room-set-up-2011.html
References:
Wong, Harry K. and Wong, Rosemary T. (2018). The First Days of School: How to be an Effective Teacher. Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.
Ms. Tapia's Classroom Management Plan 