Hi again…  It’s not often I see something in schools that I agree with, but today was one of those days…

My first teaching practice when on teacher training was the first time I’d been in a primary classroom since I’d been a primary school pupil…   I was surprised for two reasons…

Firstly, the classrooms were so small – well they were huge when I was little!

Secondly, the desks (tables by now) were arranged differently in the classroom. They were now set around in groups with half a dozen children sitting around tables facing each other – very different…

Hm, what’s going on here, I thought?

I never really found the answer to that question and I’ve never came even close to being convinced that anything about this arrangement was of any benefit to anyone…

I’ve often questioned who thought that it was a good idea in the first place and what they were thinking of. Even the most well behaved children will be tempted or even encouraged to chatter and not concentrate properly on their lessons when they’re sitting around in a group.

I have never set any of my classrooms in this way.  But, teachers I’ve spoken to appear to be averse to making any changes in their classroom layout.  They’re so reluctant to implement anything new even if an alternative plan can alleviate many of the  problem behaviours they encounter it their classrooms.

A frequent excuse given for the ‘sitting round tables’ arrangement is so the children can take part in group work…

What teachers don’t realise is that research indicates that over 90% of teachers who claim group work as the reason for their classroom layout never do genuine group work in their classes.  The research asserts that this layout only encourages negative behaviour such as chatter, unacceptable behaviour and lack of focus in class.

So, what works?  Call me old fashioned, but kids sitting in rows works just fine… Great in fact…

Research shows that primary pupils (particularly those with behaviour difficulties) work for twice as long in lessons when they’re sitting in rows rather than in groups around tables.

So, what did I see in a school that impressed me?

After noticing a decline in behaviour standards a teacher had taken advice and changed from a grouped class layout and set out her class in rows.

What was the result?

The change was dramatic and she couldn’t believe what had happened.   The class was far quieter, there was more focus and the children concentrated more. The children said that they liked having the temptation to behave badly removed from them.

Why not try it out – it really has an immediate impact.  Even the worst behaviour is managed with the strategies I teach, but the simple tactic of changing your classroom layout can be done so easily, without having to learn any new techniques.  It really couldn’t be easier…

More advice can be yours by downloading Behaviour Bible.  Make your class more relaxed with more learning taking place.

Cheers for now.  Liz Marsden @ Behaviour Bible.

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