Classroom Design
Setting up your classroom, at least for a lot of the teachers that I know, is one of the more exciting parts of getting back to school. I know that I put a great deal of thought into how my classroom and desks are set up for class. This week I’ve been asked to look at some research on classroom set up, that goes away from the traditional rows and aisles. I’m also going to discuss how I set up my room, and the rationale for it. Is it perfect? I’m sure some would say no, but to me, your classroom says a lot about YOU, the teacher.
“Either you work the crowd, or the crowd works you.” I absolutely love this comment from Education World. I am the type of teacher that is all for discussion and collaboration. When I’m working through a lesson with my students, I really love hearing the conversations between my students about the topics, and having a group setting (usually 4–6 students) easily allows for conversation and collaboration. It also gives me the ease of “dropping in” and interacting, or redirecting discussions. I’m also able to probe the group for deeper meaning. To me, the pros (collaboration, group work, conversation, teaming) outweigh the negatives (off-task, not focused, side conversations). As the quote at the beginning of this paragraph states, work the crowd! Another reason I feel strongly about not sitting in rows, is because to me, sitting with a group, and being able to pop around to each of those groups throughout a lesson, gives a sense of, we’re in this together. Teachers should set up their rooms to a point where they are able to move about easily, use proximity, and keep students focused and engaged. Sitting in groups, where there are less desks to maneuver around, gives me the freedom to be present for all of my students.
During the first several weeks of school, I choose the seating arrangement, it’s almost always groups, or pods of some sort. I’m unique in that once I’ve gotten to know my students, I actually will allow them to choose the next classroom design, and where they get to sit! One of my teammates thinks that this is absolutely crazy, because how could I possibly maintain order and get through my lessons with the students if they all inevitably choose to sit with their friends? Well, according to an Edutopia article, Flexible Seating and Student-Centered Classroom Redesign, research actually suggests that allowing students some freedom in where they sit, can have a positive affect on their feelings about school, and their engagement. Now, do I think that it’s just about giving them that choice and poof, they do what they’re supposed to? No, I pre-teach to the class that they can design and sit wherever they choose, but, I can make changes if it becomes a distraction for their learning, or the people around them. After all, they are here to learn, not to love their seat.
We put students through a very rigorous schedule, many of which aren’t even as hectic as their parent’s at work. When it comes to creating an environment in which students feel safe, and happy, and like they can be themselves, shouldn’t we as teachers look into research that gives us that advantage in our room? In an article from Edutopia, Flexible Classrooms: Providing the Learning Environment That Kids Need, there is a “how-to” guide to creating a flexible classroom. Think about the tables you have in your classroom that you don’t use for much other than piling things on, could those be replaced with pillows, or comfy chairs that students could sit in during group work? Could we talk to our administration about getting some different types of seating options, cushioned pads, workout balls, or my personal favorite bean bags? I think it would do a lot for classrooms to have students in an environment where they are comfortable, and engaged. It all starts with the teacher though, expectations and a partnership between the students about the seating arrangement and how their room works is what’s most important.
