For instance, you can change the setup when transitioning from a traditional explanation to activities such as collaboration or discussion. Explore eight setups in this tip!
Traditional
In the traditional lecture arrangement, students sit in long rows and you, as the lecturer, stand in front of the group. This arrangement is best used when you are speaking, and the students are mainly listening and taking notes. All students can see you and the slides clearly and have plenty of room to take notes. This setup also works well for splitting into groups of two to discuss a question or case study.
Debate
In a debate, students are encouraged to formulate arguments from the adopted perspective. To best carry out this learning activity, students debating sit at the front of the class and all other students can see them clearly. Students can use slides to support their arguments. Students at the separate tables can act as debate leaders or note takers.
Discussion
Discussion is a learning activity in which the instructor and students exchange views on a particular topic that has been covered previously. Promoting and facilitating discussions helps students learn from each other as well as improve their understanding and recall of the lecture. A setup in which each student can see and speak directly to each other promotes discussions.
Groups
In group work, the students work collaboratively on a task. Collaboration is a crucial aspect of activating education. A furniture arrangement where students sit together in small groups promotes collaboration the most. Many forms of work are possible with small groups. For example, consider expert groups where each table group is assigned its own expertise as in jigsaw or for group work and projects.
Speed dating
Have students rotate through the classroom so they can share insights about a question, topic, or pitch with another student. This is a fun form of work to introduce a group of new students to each other. Have students switch partners every few minutes. This learning activity improves students' speaking skills, they gain new perspectives, it results in high levels of engagement and retention, and it is low-key. The best setup for this activity is to move half the tables and all the chairs to the sides and place (high) tables in the centre of the room. At each table, two students can face each other, and they can easily move on to the next table and partner. Make sure you have a logical arrangement so that it is clear who each student should rotate to in the next round.
The U-shape
The U-shape is useful when you want to switch between learning activities, but you don't have the time or appropriate furniture to change the arrangement. In fact, this arrangement is suitable for a wide range of work formats. The teacher is visible to all students, you can have a class discussion and students can work together in pairs.
The circle
The circle or circle conversation is a good setup for introductory activities and discussing difficult topics, as is often the case with a Mixed Classroom approach. Since students are in a circle without a table, they can do nothing but listen and participate in the conversation. Cell phones, laptops and other items cannot be used. A circle discussion promotes an open attitude toward each other, a team spirit and inclusive thinking.
Poster presentation
For poster presentations, a student, or group of students presents their work with a poster and a short pitch. Then the other students walk around and ask questions. Here it is important that tables are not in the way, everyone can walk around easily, and all posters and presenters are easy to see.