As I analyze and observe different
situations and methodologies of the teachers I work around, I’ve encountered
several dilemmas that I am sure to face when I have a classroom of my own. I’ve
said before that no one classroom is the same. Still, as we all know, what
makes a classroom different is how the individual teacher handles universal
decisions. When I say ‘universal decisions’ I mean those in which almost every
teacher has to address. There are many of these. For example universal teaching
decisions can include any or all of the following; entering and exiting
procedures, taking attendance, submitting homework, differentiating instruction,
seating arrangements (tables, desk, rows, etc.), substitute policies, and so
many other decisions that every teacher will have to make.
I want to address two of these universal
decisions. I have chosen these two because I can’t make up my mind as far as
what seems to be most effective for me, in other words I am experiencing some
dilemmas. One of these is seating arrangement, as far as how to arrange desks
or tables. I’m having a hard time deciding on the kind of seating arrangement that
I believe will benefit me and my students the most. Another dilemma I am facing
is how often to change the seating chart once I’ve chose an arrangement. Hmmmmm
decisions, decisions…
The arrangement of desks is
important in classrooms because it effect and stimulate the learning process
for the students.
-John Eyong
I notice that in my Pre-Student
teaching placement (which is arranged in two rows of six tables, two children
per table) the students at the very back are often confused, off task, or both.
I attribute this to the seating arrangement. The teacher, who usually stands at
the very front, seems so far away which enables the students to be off task. After
researching the topic of effective seating arrangements, I found that there are
several effective ways to arrange a classroom. I then realized that it’s not
about finding what’s effective in general, what’s important is finding the type
of seating arrangement that’s effective for me, the teacher. I ended up having
to analyze myself and then finding what works for me. I’ve decided that, for my
teaching style, the semi-circle seating arrangement suits me most effectively.
Below is a visual of what I mean. This seating arrangement can also executed
with tables, although it will be more of an open square.
Depending on how big the class is
two semi-circles may be required. I’ve never been in a classroom with this
style of seating, although as an English teacher I cannot think of a better way
to have an open discussion about the course work. Everyone will be able to see
everyone and ideas will be connected to faces, not just voices. Also, this
seating arrangement puts me exactly where I should be, in the middle of all
discussions.
After deciding on what seating
arrangement I liked I began to debate on whether or not I would like for my
future students to have assigned seats. In my placement my cooperating teacher
changed her students’ seats everyday last year. That was only a class of 14. This
year, however, she has a class of 22 and has kept the same seating arrangement
so far. Educator Harry Wong gives multiple reasons that a seating chart is
useful and effective. He says that seating charts facilitates roll taking, aids
name memorization and can separate potential problem students. These are all
very good points. Now the question is whether or not to change the seating
chart regularly and how often.
I definitely do not believe that
there should be a new seating arrangement every day. I think doing so takes up valuable
class time. I want my students to come in and know where to go so that
instruction can start immediately. At the same time I do believe that change is
good every so often. I have come to the conclusion that I will change my
assigned seating on a quarterly basis. Nine weeks should be plenty of time to
put names with faces. I do not want the same students in the back of the class
for an entire semester. Changing the chart every nine weeks will ensure that
all students spend time in various parts of the classroom!
"If everyone is thinking
alike then somebody isn't thinking." - George S. Patton, Jr
I don’t expect every educator to
view my ways as the most effective, only to realize that in this profession
decisions must be made on a daily basis. Anticipate these decisions and make
the most effective choices for yourself and your students!
Thanks
for tuning in to my daily dilemmas!
