How to Arrange Desks in the Classroom to Minimize Talking
Teachers prefer that students stay on task and pay attention to the instruction and classroom activities. One strategy to minimize distractions and extra talking in class is to come to class prepared and challenge every student academically. Another useful strategy utilizes effective desk placement and isolates problem students with designated seating. While there are several models for classroom arrangement, some provide more effective management for certain kinds of instruction and student interaction. Teachers can arrange classes to complement the kind of instruction they prefer.
Instructions
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Place the desks in rows with sufficient room between the rows to allow students to move up and down the aisle without any problem. Allow room between the desks in each row so they don't bump up against each other. This class arrangement minimizes non-productive talking, according to the University of Delaware website. Arrange all students so they face the teacher and the center of instruction.
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Check student records to determine which students much be seated at the front of the classroom based on individualized education plans (IEPs). Place these students in the required seats before you plan seats for the rest of your class.
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Allow all other students to sit where they want to if you're not familiar with them. This will allow you to observe them and determine who needs the most intervention. Note those students who do the most talking or are disruptive, and which students are least motivated to learn.
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Seat disruptive students separate from each other in the corners of the classroom. This will prevent them from affecting most of the rest of the students.
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Seat students who like to talk to each other in separate areas of the class. Place students who are shy or who aren't likely to talk around the talkative students. This will discourage talking unless it's an appropriate part of regular classroom activities.
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Seat students with ADD and ADHD near the center front, especially if they're talkative. This places these student where you can keep an eye on them and react quickly before their talking or other off-task behavior becomes a problem for other students.
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Place unengaged students close to the center front where you can interact with them and encourage them to take part in the lessons.
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Observe the students for a week following placement and adjust the seating chart as needed to separate students who are likely to talk and surround them with students who want to participate.
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References
- Photo Credit chairs in bussiness room image by Dmitry Goygel-Sokol from Fotolia.com
