Since COVID, I’ve really leaned into classroom strategies that provide students with a more comfortable and safe learning environment. Student seating represented the biggest change in my routine. Pre-COVID I was very intentional about creating a seating plan that worked for me – splitting up groups that could be troublesome, putting students together who might really help each other, etc. But, afterwards, I began to loosen up and allow students to choose their own seating. 

Allowing students to choose their own seats has its advantages:

• it provides students with a sense of control, and
• It reduces student anxiety. 

But, there are disadvantages as well. Students naturally gravitate towards their friends. And this can perpetuate existing cliques and social divisions. 

A thoughtfully crafted seating plan designed by the teacher can be a powerful tool to break down these barriers and foster a more inclusive and collaborative classroom environment.

When students are seated with peers they might not normally choose, it pushes them out of their comfort zones. This can lead to the formation of new friendships and a broader sense of community within the classroom. Students will have a chance to interact with diverse perspectives and personalities, which can enrich classroom discussions and group work. By mixing up the seating arrangements periodically, we can ensure that every student gets the opportunity to collaborate with different classmates, enhancing their social skills and adaptability.

Ultimately, while student-chosen seating might offer short-term comfort, a teacher-designed seating plan leads to significant long-term benefits.

Ed X!