The most common seating arrangements are mentioned below. Each one of them will be discussed in greater detail afterwards with their own characteristics.
• Orderly rows
• Pairs
• Groups / clusters
• Horseshoes/semi-cirlcle
ORDERLY ROWS/DESK ROWS
The tables are placed in well-organized rows. The student’s desks are not touching each other but they are lines up in rows and columns. The teacher is usually only able to walk from the front to the back in this set up, not walk from side to side without making students move.
This is the traditional form of seating arrangement. The advantages of this are that the teacher can see all students, move freely around the classroom and can gain the attention of all the students. The main disadvantage is that there is very little scope for student interaction. If the teacher asks the students to do pairwork, half of the class can turn their back to the teacher, or half the pupils move their desks over to their neighbour’s desk.
This arrangement can be used in EYL class because as the children are commonly noisy and are sometimes difficult to control. By placing the tables in rows, there will be very little possibility to talk and to play with other students. If the teacher has too many difficulties with the class, this will make his job a bit easier. Larger class sizes may also be a reason to use this method. Another reason to place the desk in rows is when a test is being given. This will make sure, for children and adults, that the cheating possibilities will be minimized. Listening and Writing class can use this seating arrangement.
PAIRS
Having the students sit in pairs seating arrangement is when the two student desks are together and spaced away from other pairs. This arrangement allows the teacher to walk around the classroom and monitor all the students. The tables are placed in well-organized rows but in pairs of two. The teacher can see all students clearly and can walk around without any problems. Pairs allow the students to work together and independently. The main advantage of this arrangement is that the students can work together in pairs. They can help each other and motivate each other. Working in pairs can be very beneficial for the students. Besides, this arrangement is beneficial for working in group of four. This method is recommended when teaching young children. Make sure that the teacher keep control of the class. Students have the opportunity to talk to each other so if they get bored it will be noisy.
GROUPS / CLUSTERS
This arrangement consists of a small number of students sitting together in a group.
One of the advantages is that students can easily communicate together. Clusters consist of four or five desks pushed together so every desk is facing another one. The fifth desk, if needed, would be put on the end of the group of four. Especially during the activities it can be very useful. The teacher can focus his attention on a group in particular without disturbing the others. Motivation from the students is required though. Disciplinary problems can arise from students (especially young ones) who concentrate on other things than the exercise. Groups are not very good during tests because the students can easily cheat. If there are many students in the classroom, it may also be too noisy to use this arrangement.
HORSESHOE/SEMI-CIRCLE
The tables and chairs are arranged in the shape of a horseshoe. The teacher is positioned at the open end of the arrangement.
The big advantage is that the students are less aware of their teacher and it is easy for them to communicate and work together with other students. It is a very informal way of teaching. The disadvantages are that it takes up a lot of space and it could be more difficult for a teacher to get attention, especially with children. When teaching adults in small groups, this method can be extremely beneficial.
