Is alphabetical seating a good idea?
I teach a class where I have students from multiple fields. I have noticed that students fromt the same field tend to sit together and act as their own unit. I want them to engage more as a class, not segregate themselves into individual groups. Good idea to assign seats the first day or is there a better approach?
I think alphabetical seating is okay. I teach a class that has students from multiple fields too. I usually let students sit where they want, provided there are no problems.
Two different semesters I've had to rearrange the class to sit alphabetically. I find that when groups of friends sit together they sometimes can't seem to stop chatting. I usually see this happen with the younger students.
Good luck
Very true however one of the draw backs is that the stronger members often tend to dominate the group. Do you have any methods for increasing the participation of the weaker or more passive group members?
Hi Ricky,
I agree with keeping the same groups for shorter courses. I do this with my 5-week courses. Students tend to get used to their group members, and they also have figured out their group members strengths and weaknesses. Once students have their groups figured out they tend to be so much more effective.
Patricia
I agree with both the use of name tents and rotating student seating.
The name tents are very helpful for both the instructor and the students especially for classes of short duration say 1-3 weeks.
I think rotating student seating enhances learning. It supports interaction and exposure to different experiences, backgrounds, capabilities and knowledge.
Mixing students for group projects is also a good idea but I prefer to keep the groups together for shorter courses. Changing the group dynamics to often can cause friction and impede work.
I was just going to suggest this idea of rotating groups. I use this in my courses and it works well to get students to circulate.
I like the idea of "name tents". My class size ranges from 10 to 20 students and I find that work quality varies more widely when group participants are friends. Also, there is more likelihood that work production is uneven and "friends" don't want to confront each other.
You could play a game that brakes them into groups and rotate the group assignments every few weeks at the begining of class, so they get to know alot of new people.
Hi Linda,
Find out the students that are in your class and their major and have name tents at each desk the first day of class, purposely seperating your students, but this adds a nice personal touch as well.
Patricia
