Classroom Characteristics that Promote Positive Classroom Management
Classroom Layout
Each classroom layout is unique to how the teacher and the students work within it. Classroom activities vary throughout the school year and “the best seating arrangement is conducive to communicating” (Wong & Wong, 2009, pg. 116), whether that be student to student or student to teacher. When students are not in a theatre class, science class, or nontraditional classroom, there tends to be a pattern in the tables such as horseshoe shapes or groups. Here are some great examples of classroom layouts provided by Wong and Wong, The First Days of School, Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc., follow the link below.
Click to access Document_Diagrams_Seating.pdf
Examples of Classroom Layouts
Group work example with additions for a Special Education class
Groups are ideal for students working in groups or a teacher organizing students by levels or topics. Individual student work spaces are incorporated for students who need this.
Horse Shoe example provided by “The First Days of School”
The Horse Shoe design is ideal for direct instruction and discussions.
Columns and Rows example provided by “The First Days of School”
This example is useful for direct instruction when students may need to share work only once in a while.
Assigned Seating
If a teacher decides to use assigned seating, it creates an important dynamic and routine for students if this is created in the beginning of the school year within the first week. Assigned seating can be used for a number of reasons including behavior management, group readings (keeping levels together), or routine for the students. Many teachers find it useful when it comes to taking attendance or passing out papers because a student is known to be in the same seat. According to “The First Days of School” by Wong and Wong, “you will have a much more effective class, most of the time, if you assign students to their seats” (Wong & Wong, 2009, pg. 121).
Wong’s Reasons for a Seating Chart
- Facilitates roll taking
- Aids name memorization
- Separates problem students
A tip Wong gives for assigned seating is to use post-it notes for assigning seats. This is because assigned seating is not permanent and post-it notes last long enough to put students in routine.
Works Cited:
Wong, H., & Wong, R. (2009). The first days of school: How to be an effective teacher (Second ed.). Mountainview, California: Harry K. Wong Publications.
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