What types of seating arrangements are best for learning? What physical changes should be made to the classroom to make them more conducive to learning?
Shelby mentioned how the typical seating in classrooms are rows of uncomfortable seats and how it has always been this way. The typical classrooms are like this, yet I have experienced two different kinds of seating arrangements regularly in classrooms, one is with one or more semi-circle(s) of chairs facing the instructor and the second is large tables (about 3-5) with students at each. I think that like with almost everything, it depends on what is the best.
With discussion based classes it is really annoying to have row seating. It is in our culture to look at people when they are talking, it is a sign of respect, yet, I hate straining my neck every time someone at an odd angle from me is talking. People take that into consideration though, certainly I do not find people disrespectful if they are not looking at me in this set up, yet I probably would if it was a semi-circle.
Row seating is well-suited for the standard talk-and-chalk lectures. That type of teaching is not suitable for semi-circle seating because there is no need to see everyone and when you get stuck on the end it is tough to read the board. I agree with Shelby, this is also my favorite type of seating.
Group seating is efficient for group work and project based classes. This type of seating is not effective when there are lectures because some of the student's backs are towards the front of the class. Most of these classes are art or English classes through my experience.
Anything other than light colors I feel would be distracting or would look bad in the classroom. Neon, or dark colored walls would not benefit the learning environment, yet light and dull colors might benefit learning more than white.
When it comes to lighting, studies have actually shown that bright light is beneficial to learning. It makes sense when you think about it, when there is more light you are more aware, yet I'm not sure if that's the reason.
Question: What would make the classroom more enjoyable?
