ERIC Number: EJ793728
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-May
Pages: 5
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0268-2141
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Seating Arrangements that Promote Positive Academic and Behavioural Outcomes: A Review of Empirical Research
Wannarka, Rachel; Ruhl, Kathy
Support for Learning, v23 n2 p89-93 May 2008
Seating arrangements are important classroom setting events because they have the potential to help prevent problem behaviours that decrease student attention and diminish available instructional time. The purpose of this synthesis of empirical literature is to determine which arrangements of desks best facilitate positive academic and behavioural outcomes for primary through secondary high school students with a range of characteristics. Eight studies that investigated at least two of three common arrangements (i.e., rows, groups or semi-circles) were considered. Results indicate that teachers should let the nature of the task dictate seating arrangements. Evidence supports the idea that students display higher levels of appropriate behaviour during individual tasks when they are seated in rows, with disruptive students benefiting the most.
Descriptors: Student Behavior, Academic Achievement, Behavior Change, Outcomes of Education, Classroom Techniques, Elementary Secondary Education, Class Organization, Classroom Research
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Publication Type: Information Analyses; Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A