Seating arrangements for the first day of class
As I think back to my college days, one part that always made me nervous for a new class was "where do I sit?" I was always nervous about not knowing anyone and what if they all knew each other. After reading this section I thought they made a great point of arranging people in a seating chart. This can not only help me, the instructor to learn names, but it can also help put the students at ease. They can all be in same boat together by maybe not knowing their neighbor. A seating chart also forces the students to learn about more students in the class and engage in a discussion with their neighbor.
I let students know the first day they can choice where to sit today. After that, if they come into class and the name cards are not set out they can sit anywhere. On days when I have group assignments and I want them to work with a different group then they normally sit with, I set out the name cards in advance in a specific seating arrangement. It seems to be going okay so far, but I have small classes.
Hi Rod,
The key is to quickly get the names of the students so you can use them throughout the class. Name tents help both you and the other students to get to know each other. As for seating it all depends on what works for you in your class setting.
Gary
I too don't care a whole lot for assigned seating. I usually have the students put their names on cardstock paper with the reasoning that it not only helps me learn their name but helps them learn their peers name. I usually only need to have them use them for a couple of weeks.
Hi Mike,
I agree with you about both sides of the seating issue. In the larger classes and I have as many as 300 students in certain classes I feel I have to have assigned seating. In the smaller classes such as seminars or advanced classes I don't assign seating because as you mentioned it is easier to remember the names of just a few students. Also, I will have already worked with these students in previous classes so we already have some history that helps move the class forward.
Gary
I agree with everybody's assesment on the pro's and con's of assigned seating. I personally like it. I think that at least initally its good for those students that have not yet established a "click". They won't feel as left out, if they do not have a buddy to sit next to or if they havn't established as much of a connection with some of the other classmates.
I have to agree that assigned seating can be seen as a childish memory, yet I feel it depends on the size of class. 15 students vs. 50 students, with 15 it is much simpler to remember names and face than with 50.
I understand what Maria is talking about with the seating arrangements but yet I have agree with Ione. In college, I had classes that had both assigned and the sit anywhere feel. In the classes that I could sit anywhere I felt empowered and enjoyed those classes more. However, if I had to really chose the best arrangements for my class it would be a circle. Allow the interactions to take place openly without hiding behind a desk or book is a more positive approach to learning and can reach all different learning styles as well.
I don't like the idea of assigned seating, I think this takes one back to elementry school where everyone had to sit in alphabetical order. I see the benefit for the teacher only to learn the names of the students. I think reseach has shown usually students will also go back to the first seat they sat in sort of like claiming the pew in church, it becomes a habit for them. To many students in a career focus school, to them they feel they are in college and should be treated as adults and be allowed to sit where they want too. However, the instructor does have the option if students become disruptive in class etc.
Hi Maria,
This method enables students to get settled into the class and focused on what the instructor is telling them without them worrying about if they are in the right seat. Also, it lets the instructor move students throughout the room to work in groups very easily.
Gary
