Seating arrangements and groupings

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Authors

Mejías, Mauro Sáez

Issue Date

2016

Educational Level

ISCED 3: Upper secondary education

Curriculum Area

Geographical Setting

Chile

Abstract

Context: This study, conducted in a municipal secondary school in Valparaíso, Chile, focuses on 9th and 10th-grade students (15- to 16-year-olds) from backgrounds with limited access to technology and English. It explores the effects of seating arrangements and group work on student learning and engagement.

Aims: To determine how different seating arrangements and groupings impact student behavior, preferences for individual or collaborative work, and their performance in English class.

Methods: The teacher employed classroom observations, questionnaires, and a reflective journal to collect data from two classes. Observations were made during lessons with different seating arrangements: individual, pairs, and groups.

Findings: Students showed a preference for working in pairs over individual or group work, citing better focus and comfort with chosen partners. Pair work contributed to improved engagement, receptiveness to teaching, and notable exam success.

Implications: The findings suggest that seating arrangements can affect student engagement and learning outcomes. Pair work, in particular, fostered a more productive and supportive learning environment, indicating the value of flexibility in seating arrangements to accommodate students' preferences and enhance learning.

Description

Keywords (free text)

english as a foreign language , classroom organisation , paired learning , group work

Permanent link to cite this item

Link to Original Source

License