For teachers attempting to control a class of at least over a dozen students, it is imperative that they're in control of every detail regarding their class. After all, in order to efficiently teach you will need your pupils' attention and in order to gain their attention you must have control. One aspect that is often overlooked but nonetheless absolutely vital is the classroom's layout. Here are some bits of information on the importance of classroom layouts and a few tips on which might suit you best.
Of course, some classroom tables are bolted to the floor, while others are considerably heavy. It is therefore not always possible to rearrange the layout of your classroom, and for those teachers for whom it is possible, constantly rearranging furniture will be impractical and a lot of hassle. Teachers only really get one chance a term at most to change the layout of their classroom and even that is arguably too much. Children benefit from routine, especially when it comes to learning and this includes seating arrangements.
A Few Things You Need To Consider
In order to be a good teacher, you must ensure that every student is given enough attention and help access. This means that every student must be able to see you at the front of the classroom and you must be able to see every student from the front of the classroom clearly. Furthermore, every student must be able to see the board.
The matter of whether students will be able to see each other is a tricky one and depends on the type of class you're running. For example, if you want plenty of interaction between pupils it's best that they're all seated squared around the room so that they can all see one another. If however, you do not wish to give your students the luxury of being able to distract each other at whim by facing one another, it is best that they're seated in rows, facing you.
Your ability to move around the room is also an important thing you ought to consider. There will of course be many instances when a student needs your active help and you will need to be beside him or her while helping.
Lighting
One matter that often gets overlooked when it comes to classroom dynamics is the lighting used. It is important to ensure that classroom lights can be made dim as well as bright. This will allow you to alter the lighting depending on what particular effect you're looking to instill throughout the room. There will be some occasions when you'll want a calm and serene atmosphere, which dim lighting will help project. Other times however, you will want your students to be awake and full of energy and bright lighting will help this. Furthermore, bright lighting allows students to see clearer of course, which is important - particularly in classes where students will be using potentially dangerous equipment or art classes, in which they'll need to see as much detail as possible.
Lighting stores such as this one, have a range of different lightings for teachers, giving you a wide choice.
Arranging tables in a three sided square shape akin to a horseshoe is one way of setting up your classroom. Tailored for teachers who are used to doing a lot of classroom exercises and board work, students can not only see each other and you but also the board. Furthermore, this will leave you with a pretty handy bit of space in the middle of the classroom, which you can utilize to great effect.
