DIFFERENT STUDENT GROUPINGS AND SEATING ARRANGEMENTS

Abstract

This article expresses the role of the different student groupings and their advantages and disadvantages. There are some ideas for how teachers might consider arranging students for group work. Seating arrangements are important classroom setting events because they have the potential to help prevent problem behaviors that decrease student attention and diminish available instructional time. The purpose of this synthesis of empirical literature is to determine which arrangements of desks best facilitate positive academic and behavioral outcomes for primary through secondary high school students with a range of characteristics. Eight studies that investigated at least two of three common arrangements (i.e., rows, groups or semi-circles) were considered. Results indicate that teachers should let the nature of the task dictate seating arrangements. Evidence supports the idea that students display higher levels of appropriate behavior during individual tasks when they are seated in rows, with disruptive students benefiting the most.