1. What different physical arrangements have you seen in the classrooms you have observed? Which arrangements seem most effective? Why?
I have seen various setups in the classrooms I have observed. Some classrooms in the primary levels, especially Kindergarten classes, had no chairs in the middle of the room. The children sit on mats at the centre of the classroom and would go to the sides of the room for their desk work. In the same classroom, there were different activity areas in the corners of the room where the children do specific activities with manipulative toys, reading materials, and even musical instruments. For older primary grade classrooms, chairs and desks are already lined at the centre of the room. For intermediate grade classrooms, similar setup is used except for the kind of seats. For older students, chairs had their own arm desks with a space at the bottom for the students’ personal things. I also had the chance to observe university classrooms. Some had the traditional setup of seats lined up at the centre, some had their seats arranged in a u-shape, and some others used long tables that resemble a conference room setup.
For the primary grade classrooms, I think the one with chairs and tables on the sides leaving the centre open for movement is an effective arrangement for young children. It allows them to have more space for physical movement which they still need at that stage. I also think that the activity corners in the room are good for their level. For the Grade 3 level, I think that having their seats lined at the centre of the room is effective because it helps set the mood for learning. As to the university level, I think that the conference-room setup is the best for their level because it encourages active discussion and it gives the atmosphere for professional and serious studies.
2. As a teacher, what might you do to maintain a business like atmosphere in your classroom while simultaneously showing students that you care about their wellbeing?
As a classroom teacher, I adhere to the theory that the learning environment influences the quality of learning. To maintain the serious study mode in my classroom, I think that my personal bearing would matter. The way I communicate, the way I dress, and even my presence of mind in the classroom help send the message that learning in my class is serious business. I must also make sure that the physical environment inside the classroom helps. Thus, cleanliness and orderliness must always be in place.
I believe that this seriousness of conduct does not stifle the care I must extend to the students. In fact, this sense of professionalism sends the message that teaching is actual caring. Therefore, while I retain my professionalism in conduct, I still must be flexible enough so as to have the welcoming and accommodating stance that children need to feel for security and comfort that condition their disposition towards learning.
