Classroom Layout

Creating an effective classroom layout is essential to providing an environment that fosters both learning and classroom management. Our goal is to create a welcoming and meaningful environment and give our students a sense of home. “The physical structure of a classroom is a critical variable in affecting student morale and learning. Students’ involvement in the process of creating their environment can empower them, develop community and increase motivation” (Phillips, 2014). The proper classroom layout can improve student morale, give students a sense of empowerment and community and increase motivation. The physical arrangement of the classroom is often overlooked when designing effective rules and procedures (Marzano, 2007). Taking time to strategically plan an effective layout will not only benefit the students, but the teacher as well.

     We have chosen several classroom layouts that we found to be welcoming and effective learning environments. The classroom layouts group students into areas, whereas the layout of the gym in the Physical Education classroom is arranged by “squad spots” which are designated “desks” marked on the gym floor. All three allow for meaningful interaction, strong classroom management and small and large group learning. 

   To the right you will see a 3rd grade classroom. Students are grouped for small and large collaborations. It also separates students to reduce behavior issues and can serve as ability grouping as well. A negative of this layout is the location of the white board. For much of the lesson, half of the class has their back to the white board. If the teacher is using the smart board mostly than this is the best layout. Depending upon a teacher's preference of whiteboard versus smart board use, this room may or may not be ideal. 



This 2nd grade classroom is bright, organized, simple and functions well. It is not cluttered and it creates a very welcoming environment. The students are in groups like in the previous picture but do not have their back to the white board. There is space for read aloud and in the back is there is a kidney table for small group activities. 



The Physical Education classroom is open, welcoming, clean and uncluttered allowing for safe and effective instruction. The “squad spots” are clearly marked. Each student has an assigned spot that is reinforced with a seating chart. The placement of squad spots minimizes behavior issues, allows ample spacing for safe movement and students can be positioned to face either the front, back or sides of the gym depending on where instruction occurs.

Reference:

Marzano, R. (2007) The Art and Science of Teaching. association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Alexandria, VA.

Phillips M (2014) The Physical Environment of Clasrrooms. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/the-physical-environment-of-classrooms-mark-phillips on 10/12/2016.