SITTING CHART
For example, in my class Typing I and Typing II is taught in a Lab seting. I assign seats so that the a Typing II student can mentor and encourage the beginning student.
Hi Patricia,
First off, please let me say "Thank you." for always greeting us in your facilitator responses. Now then...brass tacks. I've found seating charts are often unnecessary as students tend to be creatures of habit. Without explicit instruction to sit in assigned seats, they almost invariably sit in the same place without thought. Seating charts only become necessary in my book when the self-appointed arrangement of the students leads to class disruptions.
I wholeheartedly agree with your statement. I have also found that the more comfortable the student is with their "neighbor" sitting next to them, the more talking and being inattentive in some cases, but not all. There are always exceptions.
Hi Jennifer,
Great points made! I do not utilize seating charts, but they are certainly beneficial in many ways.
Patricia
I do highly believe in seating charts. I think that they are great in many ways some such as: taking attendance, helping keep control of the class, also giving students an opportunity to meet students they may not normally talk to.
Hi Jan,
Super idea! You do generally mix an mingle with those who sit near you or very close by.
Patricia
Michael, I like your idea. As our class progresses through the four quarters in the classroom, they become attached to the same seat and partner throughout the year. The quieter, timid students stay off to themselves. With new groups I think I will try having them move back a seat each time, then back up to the front. The explanation will be to let all students participate equally.
Hi Robin,
I use sitting charts which in addition to helping me helps other instructors.Along with thes advantages it also helps make attendance easier.I do not let students sit all over the classroom as this causes a shot gun learning effect.I will change sitting chart if I notice talk pockets or disruptive students. I usaully change seating twice year so they get used to working with others as our school is industry modeled.
Hi Everyone,
I liked the idea given on learning teams. I will divide the class into teams (using the same people in the clinical "groups")and make my seating chart by that. Thanks. But I do think that students usually find a spot in the room where they feel comfortable. Unless I have a "Quiet" student or one with any type of problem requiring a change of seating arrangement, I think they should sit where they feel best.
Hi Crystal,
It really is a win-win situation for all. You are right, students can become complacent as well.
Patricia
I think that this is a brilliant idea. It not only helps the weaker student, but the stronger one too. Students get so used to sitting in the same seat every time they come into class.
Students get too dependant on there partner if left with one person too long
I use the seating chart to call on the students by name, and I ask some info about them to relate to what we are doing in class. For example where they work, so I can refer to their job in our examples. I try to fill in as much info as I can get about each student on the chart.
Hi Lillian,
I hear you loud and clear. I never had a need to do a seating chart over the 21 years I have been teaching. Some instructors find a seating chart to be very effective for various reasons, such as memorizing names, seperating disruptive students, etc.
Patricia
A seating chart for teams or groups works well for me in most classes; however, if I annouce assigned seating at the beginning of a term some students complain that it reminds them too much of grade school. Of course, others join the band wagon of its sounds childish.
Adult students are sometimes a little apprehensive about seating charts, however I reassure my students by creating learning teams in the class. These teams sit in the same areas, participate on group assignments together, and rely on each other for help when I'm not currently available. They love it
I think that is a good idea, sometimes students are more comfortable asking another student for help verses an instructor.I also believe this needs to be done under supervision and support offered.
