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Classroom organization is one of the important decisions that teachers need to make when a new school year begins. List of decisions includes a location for teacher’s desk, where to place students’ desks and whether to use a seating chart or not.
Where to Place the Teacher’s Desk
Teachers usually place their desks in front of the classroom. However, no one is saying that this is the way it should be. There is an advantage to placing a desk at the back of the classroom. Even though being in front of the classroom gives the teacher a good view of student's face, but teacher is less likely to block students’ views of the board by being at the back of the classroom. In addition, less motivated students will choose to sit at the back of the class even if the teacher's desk is placed at the back. Lastly, if a student needs help from a teacher, they may feel less shy since they are near the teacher.
How to Arrange Students’ Desk
After placing the teacher's desk, the next step is to decide how to arrange the students' desks. There are for ways to consider:
1. You can set the table in a straight line. This is a common way in which student desks are constructed. You might have five rows of six students in a regular class. This will benefit the teachers to walk between rows. The negative side is that it does not really allow for any collaborative work. If your students often study in pairs, they will move frequently and not effective in learning.
2. Second way to arrange the desks is in a large circle. It will provide ample opportunity for interaction among the students and teacher but hinders the ability to use the board. It can also be challenging when students take quizzes and tests because it is easier for students to cheat.
3. Another method of arranging a classroom is to allow students to sit in pairs, with two tables touching each other. Teachers can still walk down the line helping students, and there is a greater opportunity for collaboration to occur. However, a number of issues can arise including interpersonal problems and cheating problems among students.
4. The fourth method of arranging student desks is in groups of four. Students face each other, giving them ample opportunities for teamwork and collaboration. However, some students may find it is hard to face the board. Plus, there will be interpersonal issues and fraud concerns.
Most teachers choose to use rows for arranging student desks but will move them into another order for a particular lesson plan. Be aware that this can take time.
Seating Chart
The final step in setting up a classroom is to determine how you will deal with where students will sit. When you do not know which students are coming in, you usually do not know which students cannot sit next to each other. So there are a few ways to set up your initial seating chart.
- One way to manage students is by using the alphabet. This is a simple way that makes sense and can help you learn their names.
- Another method for seating chart is dividing girls and boys alternately. This is another easy way to divide a class.
- One of many ways to follow is to allow students to choose their seats.
- Last option is to have no seating chart at all. Still, realize that without a seating chart you lose a bit of control and you also lose a powerful way to help you learn student names.
No matter what seating chart option you choose, make sure you have the right to change the seating chart at any time to keep order in your classroom. Also be aware that if you start a year without a seating chart and decide throughout the year to implement it, this can cause some problems with students later.
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