So many factors go into having a productive classroom: behavior management techniques, implementing various methodologies, the usual textbook talk blah blah blah. One thing that matters a lot but is often overlooked in favor of things like classroom management? Classroom layout. How the room is configured and decorated can have a huge impact on students, and studies have shown that the classic, antiquated “rank and file” seating is no longer effective regarding student behavior or learning. As teachers, we need to think about the aesthetics of the classroom, and though we can be creative with lessons, we may need help with classroom layout. There are numerous sites on the Internet dedicated to this very issue (just skimming the pictures is perfect to spark some great ideas!)

In “teacher school”, we as aspiring teachers learn about classroom management and about how the layout of the classroom can impact student behavior. We also learn about how to prepare for the first day of school, including how the classroom should look; however, many textbooks do not go into great depth regarding the psychological AND educational impacts and benefits of classroom configuration. A chapter, maybe a lecture, touches on how we should set up classrooms, but until you are faced with four blank walls, crowds of chairs and desks or tables, it’s hard to exactly know how you will configure your classroom.  When I was teaching, I tended to change the table configurations every trimester so as to keep things “fresh”. Additionally, I believed firmly in assigned seating; however, I would switch it up every few weeks so as to ensure students are partnered with everyone in the class at some time during the year. But that’s a different topic for a different day. Though I had one set bulletin board display, I tried to change the wall decorations often to reflect what we were covering in class and to display student materials. I did all of these things to prevent the sort of stagnancy that embeds itself in a room you are in for hours a day, every day, for the majority of the calendar year. Change is good and can bring a sense of regeneration, and does a world of good not only for the students but also for the teacher. Depending on the rules of your school, you may have a considerable amount of creative freedom regarding desk placement and decorations. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the possibilities, so here are some sites below that make it easier to pinpoint exactly what you have in mind or expand your ideas to new heights.

This article is interesting and includes the psychology and educational validation for classroom arrangements:

http://www.hermanmiller.com/research/solution-essays/rethinking-the-classroom.html

These two sites are AWESOME and include great pictures to help you choose the best configuration for your classroom!

http://www.pinterest.com/janauma/classroom-set-up-ideas/

http://www.pinterest.com/judyhelton/classroom-setup/

Other good resources (with lingo for how classrooms should be designed should you need to provide it to your school!)

http://www.classroomdeskarrangement.com/ClassroomDeskArrangement/Welcome.html

http://classroom.4teachers.org/

http://www.cybraryman.com/setting_up_your_classroom.html

http://dailyedventures.com/index.php/2012/06/01/diane-evans/

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