CLASSROOM SETTING

NICHOLAS ANDERSON | WAN MAISARAH FARAH SYAHIRAH | NUR ATIQAH

 Classroom setup can dramatically affect students' attitudes toward and habits of learning. Students need an environment that is organized, stimulating, and comfortable in order to learn effectively. Creating such an environment entails arranging a practical physical layout, supplying diverse materials and supplies, and encouraging students to have a sense of belonging and ownership

Types of Classroom Settings

Traditional Classroom

Horse Shoe Setup

Divided Classroom Set up

Clutter Desks

Types of Classroom Settings

Traditional Classroom The teacher's desk is at the front and so are the chalkboards or whiteboards The aisles have enough space between them for the teacher to walk up to each student. This setup allows all the students to see the teacher and the chalkboard It also makes it easy for the teacher to hand out papers because he or she can give papers to each student at the front of the row

Horse Shoe Set Up Arranging desks in a horseshoe allows students to face each other and see the teacher. The horseshoe shape is preferable to a circle because the teacher and student presenters can easily enter it and walk around to engage the other students open at the front so the teacher can easily reach the desk and chalkboard

Divided Classroom A classroom that is split in half has half the desks facing right and the other half facing left. In this way, the students can see each other and the teacher or presenters can walk in the middle Useful for classes that are having debates or other interactive discussions Allows the teacher to sit in the back and allow the students to take more leadership roles The teacher can choose to put his or her desk at the back of the classroom because the teacher will usually be more of a mediator in debate situations.

Cluttered Desks Desk clusters are often seen when students are doing a lot of group work. desks are arranged in small groups, quite often four facing one another Each group is able to communicate easily with each other and the teacher can move between the desks to guide the students. This works well in special needs classrooms because the children find it less intimidating and communicate easily with each other.

When Getting Started

Ask students where they think the different learning centers should go. Let students help to define what behavior is appropriate for each learning center. Help students learn how to behave appropriately by role-playing and practicing with them. Post procedures for learning centers where students can refer to them.

Arranging the learning centers

Take the physical features of your classroom into account when planning. As the year progresses, you can add different kinds of learning centers to fit your class's evolving needs.

Arranging the whole-group area

Make sure that all students will have an unrestricted view of the chalkboard. Consider using a rug to mark off the area if you have a primary-grade classroom. Consider what whole group activities will take place to determine how to arrange students desks. Keep in mind that arranging desks in a circle promotes discussions and small clusters of desks can double as small-group meeting areas. Your desk should be out of the way, but in an area where you can view the entire classroom. Set aside an off-limits zone for your records and supplies.

References
1. http://www.betterwaybooks.com/betterwayblog/classroom-organization-ideas-that-will-help-yourstudents-succeed 2. http://www.eduplace.com/rdg/res/classroom.html 3. http://www.education.com/reference/article/classroomenvironment/

Fin.