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Not often I see something in schools that I agree with, but today was the day…

When on my first teaching practice during teacher training I was very surprised to see the difference in class layout… so much change since the last time I’d been in a primary classroom… No rows of desks but children sitting around tables in groups, facing each other…

So, why the changes?

I never really found out the answer to that question and I’ve never came even close to being convinced that anything about his arrangement was of any benefit to anyone… I’ve often questioned who thought it up in the first place and what they werethinking of. Even the best behaved children will be tempted/ or even encouraged to chatter and not concentrate properly on their lessons. I have never set any of my classrooms in groups. But teachers I’ve spoken to appear to be against making any changes in their classroom layout – they’re so reluctant to implement something that can alleviate many of children’s problem behaviours.

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

Research shows that well over 90% of teachers making this claim never involve children in genuine group work. Researchers claim the grouped layout creates an ideal environment for chatting and behaving inappropriately rather than focusing on their work.

It can also be seen that research shows young children demonstrating problem behaviour work in class for double the time when set in rows as opposed to the grouped layout.

What did I see in a school that impressed me then?

The teacher had become concerned at the rise in unacceptable behaviour had taken advice and re-arranged her class in rows.

The outcome?

There were amazing changes and the teacher couldn’t believe the difference in noise levels, children’s focus and concentration and the standard of work being produced in class. Coupled with this, the children said they enjoyed the new layout and having the means to behave badly taken away.

Try it and see improvements straight away… My well proven behaviour management techniques sort out the most extreme and challenging behaviour but the simple idea of changing classroom layout can be implemented in such a short time and you don’t have to practise anything new. It couldn’t be more simple…

Liz Marsden is a highly experienced and successful behaviour management specialist who manages the most challenging and extreme children’s behaviour. Liz uses her skills to train teachers, student teachers, teaching assistants and parents to manage children’s behaviour effectively and confidently. Visit Liz’s website where you can access her easy to follow strategies.

Tags: bad behaviour, behaviour management training, child development, class layout, classroom management, classroom teaching, dealing with children's behaviour, education, manage children's behaviour, Organizing, parenting, teacher training, teaching children