Five Setup Ideas for Classroom Tables

The environment in the classroom helps to support student learning. Although there are pros and cons for both desks and tables in the classroom, there are advantages to using tables, such as helping to maximize teacher control, promoting cooperative learning and providing proximity to the teacher. Teachers should setup the classroom before students arrive and take into account the type of class that will be taught in the room.

U Shape

If the room is large enough and the class is small enough, the U shape can be an ideal arrangement. Students should all be seated facing the instructor so that the teacher will have a perfect vantage point from the front of the room. Papers or other items can be distributed without difficulty and students will not be able to hide behind one another, making it less likely to misbehave since the teacher can readily see them.

Conference Style

This layout requires at least four tables that are all the same size and shape which are placed together to form a large rectangle or square. The size of the room and the number of students will dictate how many tables are needed. Students are seated around the table, so some of them may have their backs to the teacher, but the teacher can move around the room and, at one time or another, will face all students. This is especially convenient for classes that require large work spaces, such as art or science but may not be appropriate for lecture-type classes.

Small Round Tables

Small round tables in a cluster style throughout the classroom permit students to work in small groups, to have a greater work surface and to collaborate with one another. You may arrange students around the table so that no ones back is to you. When the activity or the collaborative project requires a change in the arrangement of the tables, you can move them around easily.

Blocks of Tables

If space permits, arrange tables in assorted blocks of circles, squares or rectangles. This is ideal for classes that are hands-on rather than lecture oriented, such as a science or computer class, where each block of tables can have its own electrical outlet. This arrangement allows teachers the space to move around the room and at the same time allows students congenial associations with one another.

Classroom Style

The classroom style is one where you place rows of long, narrow tables aligned so that they are positioned one behind the other. This arrangement does not allow for group collaboration since it is tantamount to rows of desks with students seated behind one another. It provides more workspace than the typical desk, giving students options for activities, such as writing, typing or laying out supplies.