Seating Charts for the Adult Student?
I understand the value of a seating chart in the elementary and secondary school setting. How effective is this approach with the adult learner?
I don't use a seating chart either. I never liked being assigned a seat in school, so I won't do it to others. Also, I notice that people tend to sit in the same seats all the time. It's interesting watching a student come in to sit in the seat he always sits in and someone is in it from either the prior class or during the open lab time. There always seems to be a confused look. They will sit somewhere else. But once the other person leaves they will get up and move to "their" seat.
Yes, great response, Amy. We have used seating charts judiciously, when the student's disrouptive behavior requires tht some students be separated for the good of the whole class. We do not assign seats at the beginning of the semester, but when two (or more) students find common cause in disrupting the class, then it is time to move them around. This DOES work-I've seen it. And like Amy iterated, we are all instructed, at various times in our career, where we'll sit, etc. Get over it. If you want to be treated like an adult, act like one.
Hi Amy,
Wow, you have really make it real! You are on target. No one can argue with this response. It is the truth!
Patricia
I've read all of the comments here about seating charts, and I have never used one in my classroom, but having said that, as adults in a work place setting, we are told where are office is located, basically being told where to sit. As an example, in my position here, my office has been moved several times. I don't get the option to say where I want to sit, I go where they tell me. Sometimes I have a great space and other times I have a tiny space, I just learn to deal with the situation. Students should know that this will happen when they get into the work force, they will not have the option other than to quit.
I have used it several times in my larger class groups. I have even changed it mid way to "mix things up a bit". I thought it was a crazy idea but it did work. I was able to get through class without any problems most days. I split up the clicks which was a huge problem in one class I had. We have to make them believe it's better this way.
I have find that using a seating chart or continuosly changing the seating arrangement might not be as productive, adult learners do not like being treated as childs.
Hi Les,
This is a great lesson for students to learn. You're right we must be able to work with everyone in the workplace.
Patricia
I like the idea of having students in groups then moving them around each day versus a seating chart. I think it prepares them for the work place by learning to work with different students. We need to be able to interact with everyone at our place of wor
Ok, I've never actually taught a class before, but I have been a student. I think you are sending your class a message that you don't trust them to behave in an adult fashion if you assign seats. I don't intend to assign seats, however, I do intend to break the class into smaller groups on occasion, and I will spread them out for finals. -Jeanne
well seating charts helps the instructor learn names faster and pairing up experienced students with new ones helps some students have a buddy so to speak they they can ask questions to besides the instructor who may be busy at the time with something else
I don't have seating charts per se. What I do is have students work in teams of three or four, depending on class size. each group has one common project to complete over a four day perios (or three). Regular lesson plan activity unfolds meanwhile, with each student responsible for his own work and progress.
Next, groups are re-assigned by what seems to be random, but actually mixes age groups, genders, and achievemtne levels. Another group project responsbility for four more days. Plus normal lesson plan activity.
It's extra work on the part of the Instructional Delivery expert, but hey isn't that why we are the experts.
Mike kalanty, California Culinary Academy.
Again, I am just a bread baker, so often times I don't know what I'm talking about. But this strategy works in the bakeshop,. and helps students develop better Social skills, an extremely important skill in the baking workplace. Thanks.
I used this approach when I taught 5th grade. If I walked into a college class that had a seating chart on the first day of class, I would walk out and file a complaint with the dean. After 15 years of teaching high school and adult learners, I have never flet the need to a seating chart to manage my classroom.
I agree seating charts are as effective for the adult students. I usually have seating charts from the first day of class.
Seating charts can be used quite effectively--if used on the first day of class it helps the teacher learn people's names while at the same time may result in friends not sitting together in little groups.
Changing the seating chart occasionally can help prevent cheating(students cannot depend on sitting next to the same person)and also prevent irritating cross talk between friends.
I agree. During my first class this past semester there were a group of 5 students or so who I had to ask to stop talking 20+ times. I'm a younger instructor and so I figured that the students just did not see me as someone who they should take seriously. For the 2nd class I made a seating chart. I have had significantly less talking from these students since then.
It may be "effective" but how does this practice support the andralogical practices for adult learning?
Hi Evelyn,
It is just as effective. Try it; it works.
Patricia
