Studies have shown that the way the desks in a classroom are arranged can affect the way a student learns.
Is that true for the students here at Southern Lehigh? Do the teachers arrange their desks according to how their students learn best?
Mrs. Katie Quartuch, civics and government teacher, believes that the way seats are arranged can affect a student’s learning.
“I like to change my desks around pretty often, and it’s usually to accommodate a lesson I’m doing,” Mrs. Quartuch said, “but sometimes it’s because I’m reacting to a need for either more discussion, eye contact, openness, or for a need for less.”
“I think the way desks are arranged absolutely affects how we learn because different layouts offer different opportunities for us,” sophomore Emily Kasarda said.
According to The Professional Learning Board (k12teacherstaffdevelopment.com), different types of arrangements have their own benefits and drawbacks, and are used for different type of learning activities.
The more traditional styling of rows allows teachers to be able to see all students. All students are facing the board, generally keeping them more focused. The only problem with this style is that students in the back may pay less attention than the students closer to the board.
“I think having the desks in rows helps us pay more attention to the teacher, whereas in groups you’re more likely to just talk,” junior Heather Thompson said.
Circle arrangements work well for group discussions to keep the whole class engaged.
“[My favorite type of desk arrangement] is a big circle. It works well for class discussions,” Mrs. Quartuch said. “Unfortunately, with my large classes it’s really hard to do.”
Each student has a favorite type of arrangement for many different reasons.
“I like when teachers arrange the desks in groups like tables,” Kasarda said. “It lets us discuss things.”
The Professional Learning Board agrees that this arrangement actually works very well. It allows the students to collaborate on ideas and work together to come up with solutions to problems. It’s also good for small group discussions.
“[I like group seating] because kids can work in groups and work together, but it’s also harder for them to focus on the topic because they are always with their friends,” social studies teacher Mrs. Jennifer Wlodek said.
One part of seating arrangement that students and teachers have been battling out since the beginning of time is whether or not the student should be allowed to pick his or her seat.
“I don’t like assigned seating because I like being able to sit with my friends,” freshman Jacob Cassel said.
Many students agree with this Cassel that free seating is the better option.
“I prefer free seating because I feel more comfortable near people I know,” Kasarda said.
Teachers have mixed thoughts on the free vs. assigned seating debate.
“It really depends on the class, but usually [I prefer] free seating,” Mrs. Wlodek said. “I think students should be given the choice; however, if that doesn’t work out then I move to assigned seats.”
