Transcript CLASSROOM ARRAGEMENT

CLASSROOM ARRAGEMENT
Why Class Arrangement
Questions to consider
Basic Principles
Classroom Arrangement styles
Why classroom arrangement?
• The main cause of off-task behavior is classroom seating
arrangement. (Bonus & Riordan, 1998).
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Room arrangement affects the learning process, student
behavior, and student engagement.
(Florman, 2003; Lackney & Jacobs, 2002; Proshansky & Wolfe, 1974; Richards, 2006; StrongWilson & Ellis, 2007; Susi, 1989; Weinstein, 1977).
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We need spaces for activities
To make sure that we can monitor
To iptimize the teacher role and students role
To avoid the teacher centredness issues
Questions to consider when
arranging classroom layout:
 Can I see the faces of every single student and can they see
me?
 Can everyone see the board (if you're planning on using it)?
 Can the students see one another?
 Can I move around the room so that I can monitor
effectively?
 Is the layout can facilitate the students’ activities?
 Is there any student with special needs that I have to
facilitate?
Basic Principles of Classroom Arrangement
 Reduce congestion in high-traffic areas.
 Make sure that you can easily see all students.
 Make often-used teaching materials and student
supplies easily accessible.
 Make sure that students can easily observe
whole-class presentations.
Classroom Arrangement Styles
• Auditorium style
• Face-to-face style
• Off-set style
• Seminar style
• Cluster style
The most-often-seen classroom arrangements
styles
Think of the
advantages and
disadvantage
Row seating reduces talking.
(Koneya, 1976; Ridling, 1994; Silverstein & Stang, 1976; Wannarka & Ruhl, 2008; Weinstein,
1979).
Row seating impedes a teachers ability to walk between student desks
and assess learning. (Weaver Dunne, 2001).
Variations of
Classroom
Seating
Arrangements
Variations of Classroom Seating
The Action Zone
“Action Zone”
Students in these
seats are more likely
to interact with the
teacher, ask
questions, and
initiate discussion.
Variations of Classroom Seating
An Example of an Effective Elementary School
Classroom Arrangement
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Variations of Classroom Seating
An Example of an Effective Secondary School
Classroom Arrangement
Few facts about cluster seating
 It is ideal for socially
facilitated learning.
(Patton, Snell, Knight & Florman 2001).
 It promotes “innovation.”
(Raviv, Raviv & Reisel, 1990).
 Students like each other
more and communicate
better when facing each
other.
(O’Hare, 1998; Bovard, 1951).