Harvard Independent

School teachers who are new to the job are often overwhelmed by the sheer amount of new detail and procedure that they are expected to absorb. Managing class behaviour is one such consideration, but this can be made much more straightforward with a sensible lay-out for school classroom furniture.

The lay-out of the students' desks are one important consideration to make. Seating the class by twos at tables facing the front of the room can help a new teacher carry out some basic routines which will help establish discipline in a class.

Seating plans can be made quickly and in relatively straightforward fashion in this way, establishing the early and crucial boundary with the class of who sits where. Seating the class in mixed gender pairs also improves communication between class members and helps to make for better learning outcomes.

A less rigid lay-out is possible for some situations, especially if the teacher is familiar with the group and enjoys a good relationship with the students. Desks can be moved during the course of a lesson to accommodate group work, with the students sitting in a more collaborative fashion around tables in groups rather than in twos.

What students see on the walls can also help them feel more comfortable in their learning environment. Displays on the walls of the room are an important part of this environment and displays consisting of relevant materials and pupils' work should be maintained in a tidy and current way. If a form group is registered in the the room then a pin board is another useful accessory.

School classroom furniture must always help to improve the learning environment, and must always be kept clean and comfortable. If furniture is neglected and allowed to become defaced and dirty then the wrong message is being sent to anyone who uses the room, and a classroom re-fit will be needed quickly.