Which physical arrangement of chairs contributes to effective classroom management

Crowded and cluttered classrooms can set the stage for problem behavior. The ideal classroom setup allows a fluid traffic pattern in which you and your students can move about the classroom without bumping into one another or other objects and without distracting others at work. The physical arrangement of the classroom is set up to maximize teacher-student interactions while minimizing distractions.

Effective physical layout of the classroom promotes positive teacher-student interactions, assists with smooth transitions, and prevents disruptive behavior.

There are four elements to creating an effective physical classroom structure:

1) Clearly define traffic patterns in the classroom. These should allow movement without disrupting others.

2) Arrange the desks and furniture in the classroom so that you can see students at all times and you have easy access to all areas of the classroom. Furniture should also be arranged in a manner that optimizes common instructional activities.

3) Clearly label all materials in the classroom and organize them to ensure they are easily accessible when needed.

4) Create and teach systems for turning in work and retrieving graded work.

Changing the physical layout of your classroom can be done at any time you feel it is necessary, not only at the beginning of the year. After analyzing your classroom needs, arrange the room in a way that best meets the needs of you and your students.

Use the Classroom Layout strategy tool to identify how to best use your classroom space and areas of your classroom in need of change.

Take a moment to make sure your plan for classroom layout is going to work.

Now that you have created a new physical classroom structure using the tool, set a few goals to help you determine whether or not the structure produces the results you want. Your goal for day one of implementation may be different than your goal for day 2, 3, or 4. Most importantly, try to set goals that are realistic.

For example, a goal for day one should not be, “Students can find and access all instructional materials,” but perhaps that could be your goal for week 2. 

A few questions to consider when setting goals for your physical classroom structure:

• Do my students understand the reason for the new structure?
• How often do I refer to the classroom movement expectations?
• Do I reinforce the expectations for movement in the classroom?
• Has the physical structure reduced confusion and/or disruptions?

Use the following goal sheet to determine if the physical structure is effective in your classroom.

References to Other Relevant Resources:

Reinke, W. M., Herman, K. C., & Sprick, R. (2011). Motivational interviewing for effective classroom management: The classroom check-up. New York, NY: Guilford Press.

How does the physical arrangement contribute to an effective classroom management?

Which seating arrangement has been proven to be effective for learning?

What is physical arrangement of the classroom?

Why is it important to arrange properly the furniture inside the classroom as part of classroom management?