Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!!

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!