changes
I sometimes move the room around in order to keep the class guessing. The students really stay more alert during class time.
Mohammed,
yes, they can get a little too comfortable in a particular setting & so it's very helpful to mix them up from time to time.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
sometimes classroom seating changes can be very helpful in terms of putting the students in groups
to studey,and exchange ideas.
Steve,
This is a good idea as it helps everyone from sinking into the lull.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I like to mix up the class room seating if I find that things are starting to slow down.
Luz,
great point & also in today's work environment, networking is a key skill so these little things can help the students learn to do this even more.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
My students are forced to sit in a different arrangement during the most challenging of times...Testing! This is a requirement by the ASE alternatives and they are seated based on assigned tests A and B. So far this has not disrupted their ability to test and pass. I think they feel secure that once the test is over they can go back to their selected seats so maybe that train of mind helps the situation not be so disruptive.
This is very true. As someone else mentioned, it also gives them the opportunity to meet another person in class. Also sometimes changing the environment helps break apart groups of students that have become disturbing by talking to each other too much, etc.
I agree it allows them to cnversate/collaborate with other mindsets as well.
jesse,
I think it kind of depends on the class. While changing can bring a fresh perspective, there is research to show that some learners are greatly aided by staying in the same spot.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I am sstill somewhat conflicted about changes. I allow my students to select their own seats, and usually do not change them as long as disrupitve associations arre not formed. In my heart and mind I feel as though it might be a good idea to change the seating arrangements from tilme to time, but as an adult learner before I became an instructor to adult learners, i did not like for my insturtors to keep changing my seating arrangements since I was not disruptive and I was doing well in class. I have not resolved this issue in my mind.
Robert,
this is a good idea & one I had not considered; there are some learners who will be so distracted by the change that it could be difficult for them to engage in the learning.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Very true this is why I don’t like to assign seating unless a student has an accommodation otherwise students are free to choose a seat.
I will change the seating arrangement based on the primary learning activity for the day. As a courtesy to my students though, I will let them know in the syllabus, or by an announcement the day before, what seating arrangement to expect for the next class. This cuts down on the surprise and confusion caused by student's being met with the unexpected. A little surprise is OK, but too much can be a major distraction at the start of the lesson.
Michael,
this is an interesting observation that I had not thought about before. Maybe time to mix up my classes.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have found that if the students stay in the same seats, they get into routines and don't seem to stay focused on the learning as much.
Mathias,
yes & they can also learn the valuable skill of networking.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I not only often change the room around, but the seating chart as well. It will force the students to get to know something diffiernt about a new student that they are sitting next to.
Robert,
this is a great idea as it is so easy to fall into a rut & so the different locations can help with this.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
