Charles Graham

During the first day of class I give each student a colored piece of paper from a stack of paper that has been shuffled before class, and contains a few different colors (the number of colors depends on the size of the class). I then have the students make nameplates out of the sheet of paper. In this way I learn the student's names quickly, but I can also have them assemble in groups that are "random" and grouped by color rather than friendships or seating preferences (hence personalities). This way, they interact with different classmates.

Georgia Guerra

I agree on the U shape, but there are times when you have to arrange seating to the best according to room size and set up. I like to be able to see all students to gauge their reactions to topics.

Jeanie Jarrell

I agree with the U shape. There is more focus and engagement

Damien Bagley

Seating students in various places in the classroom can make a great learning environment.

Lori Lewis

I totally agree with the U seating arrangement.

Wynell King

All eyes are on the instructor in my computer lab; however, the tables are in rows and most students do NOT have the space they need to spread out. All students face the front and I am not able to see their monitors. When I lecture, I have them turn off their monitors and if they start looking down or towards the monitors I know they are not listening. It is an awkward set up, I would like to see changed; however, for maximum seating, we are squeezed in.

Best wishes, Ms. King

Dr. Ryan Meers

Wanda,
I personally love the U shape as it really helps promote good discussion & dialogue.

Ryan Meers, Ph.D.

wanda smith

I agree, I think seating is very important. I use the U shape seating arrangement and it works very well for my class.