Background

The physical setup of chairs, tables, and presentation in a classroom can significantly
influence learning. Instructional communication theory suggests that seating arrangements
can impact how the instructor communicates with students and how the students interact
with one another, impacting engagement, motivation, and focus [2]. More recent research
also suggests that students tend to prefer more flexible seating arrangements [1].

Seating arrangements very important to the classroom and for interaction,

atmosphere, and behavior. Its easy to take seating for granted, or only see the partial benefits
it provides, but good seating can be a useful tool to accomplish class objectives. In general,
spaces designed in a student-centered manner, focusing on learner construction of
knowledge, can support student learning[6]. Keep in mind, there are some other factors
involved the educator may not can to control over.

For this reason, Richards (2006) stated there are many problems with setting
arrangements. Firstly, the issue might teachers have it with class space. This is the biggest
problem might any teacher face it when they are many students, and the class size is small. In
this case, teachers will have few options to change student seating for some activities.
Secondly, using classroom technology during teaching and activities.

Statement of the Problem

1. The types of students seating arrangements?

2. The strengths and weaknesses of each types of students seating arrangements?

Discusion

1. The types of students seating arrangements?

- Traditional Rows or Columns

The rows configuration (also known as the

columns configuration) is the most common classroom
arrangement. This type of setup complements class
structures that revolve around teacher-based instruction
and presentations. Students are more focused on
coursework and independent assignments. They are also
less likely and/or able to cheat with this layout. Though this seating arrangement can be used
with any class size, large classes may often see uneven levels of interaction as students in the
front row will participate more while those in the back may lose focus. [3]

- Horseshoe or U-Shape

This model supports both student-to-student

interaction and teacher-to-student interaction. The class
interacts in a large group format, though teachers have
ample opportunity to work with students one on one.
Courses that emphasize discussions and presentations
typically function well with this configuration[3].

- Clusters

Clustering the desks into small groups promotes

student-to-student interaction. Students develop skills
such as communication, problem solving, collaboration,
and more in this arrangement. These clusters offer safe
and comfortable environments for students to share
ideas. This comfort, however, also lends itself to off-task
behavior and large increase in noise level and
distractions[3].

Alternative Configurations
- Runway

Best used with smaller classes, this setup puts the

emphasis on the educator. The teacher uses the runway
between the two rows of facing desks to conduct the
lessons. This layout is great for discussions and lecture based
classes[3].
- Stadium

A variation of the classic row configuration and runway,

desks are grouped in clusters but all facing the same direction.
Like runway, this layout is best suited teacher-centric
classes[3].

- Combination

This configuration is great for classes with students of

varying learning levels, methods of learning, and behavioral
issues. Mix and match any configuration to best fit your needs
and your students’ abilities. For example, set up part of the
room as rows for students who need to focus on individual work
and another part as a mini horseshoe for students who require

more discussion-based activities[3].

- V Shape
Best used with smaller classes, this setup puts the emphasis
on the educator. The teacher uses the runway between the two
rows of facing desks to conduct the lessons. This layout is great for
discussions and lecture based classes[3].

- Pair Pods
Students develop skills such as communication, problem
solving, collaboration, and more in this arrangement. These
clusters offer safe and comfortable environments for students to
share ideas. This comfort, however, also lends itself to off-task
behavior and large increase in noise level and distractions[3].
 - Hollow Square
This model supports both student-to-student
interaction and teacher-to-student interaction. The class
interacts in a large group format, though teachers have
ample opportunity to work with students one on one.
Courses that emphasize discussions and presentations
typically function well with this configuration[3].

- Square/Boardroom
Best used with smaller classes, this setup puts the
emphasis on the educator. The teacher uses the runway
between the two rows of facing desks to conduct the lessons.
This layout is great for discussions and lecture based classes[3].

2. The strengths and weaknesses of each types of students seating arrangements?

- Traditional Rows or Columns

The strengths : The students are not asked to participate, but to listen and learn[4]. It’s also
the best way to administer tests to curtail cheating[5].
The weaknesses : It’s also a good method for the educator who adopts the method they
only care about the students who want to learn, and those who don’t, sit in the back and
be quiet[4]. Students in back rows are more likely to be less engaged[5].

- Horseshoe or U-Shape
The strengths : Students and instructors all face one another in this setup, which can
support whole-class as well as pair-wise dialogue[4].
The weaknesses : For some students who get a side seat, it will be a little less comfortable,
because the position is difficult and easily stiff when they see the blackboard, only suitable
for temporary activities, not for a long time.

- Clusters
The strengths : This arrangement can be especially advantageous when students will work
in groups or pairs with their classmates for a large portion of class time. More generally,
 this arrangement communicates a learning community where students are expected to
work with one another[5].
The weaknesses : Some students will only be friends with only their group friends. This
method makes students difficult to communicate with friends outside the group for the
future.

- Runway
The strengths : This arrangement can be especially advantageous when students will work
in groups or pairs with their classmates for a large portion of class time. More generally,
this arrangement communicates a learning community where students are expected to
work with one another[5].
The weaknesses : Just like the U-Shape method or some students who get a side seat, it will
be a little less comfortable, because the position is difficult and easily stiff when they see
blackboard, only suitable for temporary activities, not for a long time.

- Stadium
The strengths : Just like cluster method this arrangement can be especially advantageous
when students will work in groups or pairs with their classmates for a large portion of class
time. More generally, this arrangement communicates a learning community where
students are expected to work with one another[5].
The weaknesses : Just like cluster method some students will only be friends with only their
group friends. This method makes students difficult to communicate with friends outside
the group for the future.

- Combination
The strengths : It is a good variation to combine several methods so students do not get
bored with ordinary seating arrangements.
The weaknesses : Uncomfortable for some students.
- V Shape
The strengths : This arrangement can be especially advantageous when students will work
in groups or pairs with their classmates for a large portion of class time. More generally,
this arrangement communicates a learning community where students are expected to
work with one another[5].
The weaknesses : Just like the U-Shape method or some students who get a side seat, it will
be a little less comfortable, because the position is difficult and easily stiff when they see
blackboard, only suitable for temporary activities, not for a long time.

- Pair Pods
 The strengths : This arrangement can be especially advantageous when students will work
in groups or pairs with their classmates for a large portion of class time. More generally,
this arrangement communicates a learning community where students are expected to
work with one another[5].
The weaknesses : Some students will only be friends with only their group friends. This
method makes students difficult to communicate with friends outside the group for the
future.
- Hollow Square
The strengths : Students and instructors all face one another in this setup, which can
support whole-class as well as pair-wise dialogue[4].
The weaknesses : For some students who get a side seat, it will be a little less comfortable,
because the position is difficult and easily stiff when they see the blackboard, only suitable
for temporary activities, not for a long time.

- Square/Boardroom
The strengths : This arrangement can be especially advantageous when students will work
in groups or pairs with their classmates for a large portion of class time. More generally,
this arrangement communicates a learning community where students are expected to
work with one another[5].
The weaknesses : Just like the U-Shape method or some students who get a side seat, it will
be a little less comfortable, because the position is difficult and easily stiff when they see
blackboard, only suitable for temporary activities, not for a long time.

Conclusion

Please choose seating arrangements wisely, as it can helping the class reach it
objectives and take the students to new levels. Seating arrangements can help the
management of students and they activities, freeing the teacher for assessment and providing
more responsibility for self learning. And also, The educator can easily change in and out of
seating arrangements as needed. The real power is knowing which seating arrangements will
facilitate student learning and when to use it.

In a traditional classroom setup where the educator cannot change the seating
arrangements, they can maximize student engagement by implementing Think-Pair-Share or
other active learning activities conducive to students working with a neighbor. They can also
encourage student groups to work in other spaces of the classroom as needed (e.g. on the
steps, front of the room, etc.). Educator can choose matching seating arrangement for the
classroom to the goals of instruction. For examples, classes involving group work might utilize
group seating arrangement, while whole class discussion might benefit from a horseshoe.
Educator can also strategically change arrangements during class to suit shifting learning
goals. For example, if the classroom is too small, then the options for seating may be limited.
Or the “desks” available in the classroom may not be the traditional desk, but a large table to
accommodate multiple students.

As far as possible, an educator can set the time to prepare classrooms and / or can ask
students to help. If there is no class immediately before, this can be done before class, or
alternatively for the first few minutes. Similar considerations must be given to reset the room
after the class ends.

References

[1] Harvey EJ, Kenyon MC. (2013). Classroom Seating Considerations for 21st Century Students
and Faculty. Journal of Learning Spaces, 2(1).

[2] McCorskey JC and McVetta RW. (1978). Classroom Seating Arrangements: Instructional
Communication Theory Versus Student Preferences. Communication Education, 27, 99-111.

[3] https://www.displays2go.com/Article/Effective-Classroom-Seating-Arrangements-32

[4] http://www.tesolclass.com/classroom-management/classroom-seating-arrangements/

[5] https://ctl.yale.edu/ClassroomSeatingArrangements

[6] Rands ML and Gansemer-Topf AN. (2017). The Room Itself is Active: How Classroom Design
Impacts Student Engagement. Journal of Learning Spaces, 6(1).

[7] Richards, J. (2006). Setting the Stage for Student Engagement. Kappa Delta P Record, 42 (2),
92-94.