classroom set up
The seating in the classroom is very important not only for teaching style of the instructor but for the learning impact of the students
Mike,
this is a great post about the set up of the room. If you have options on arrangement the u-shape is a great way to facilitate interaction with you as instructor & the students with each other.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think classroom setup is very important. i teach in classrooms that are mainly straight rows of tables with chairs where the teacher stands in front of the rows. I find myself walking back and forth slowly and coming around the side of the tables to sit at the end of one to engage myself physically with the students. In one of my classrooms, I am foruntate to have a large oval table where all the students can sit around it and I often sit down rigbt in there with them and make lecture time a team spitited approach that engages the students given their close proximity to me and the other students. It's casual, less intimidating and facilitates interaction.
I feel the classroom settup is very important. Unfortunately, my school like to maximize seating for the courses over the what setup is beneficial to the learners. The computer labs are setup the worse because I cannot see what is on a students screen when they should be working. I do walk arround the room but they know when I coming so they can hide facebook or the games they are playing.
Doretha,
yes, we need to be aware of these issues for the comfort & maximum learning of everyone.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
The seating is very important for the students as well as for the instructor. I would like to be seated where it doesnt seem like I'm closed off. So adequate spacing is prime but sometimes not available.
Latasha ,
definitely & helping them realize the best location in the classroom for them & their learning style.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
the classroom set up is very important so all students can see the instructor and so they can hear them as well and so they can set up in teams and work together.
