I believe that the diagram above is the most effective way to set up a classroom. By arranging the desks in a shape of a double horseshoe, it really emphasizes and accommodates to class discussion. With being an English class, there are many times in which my students will have whole class and group discussions about what we are reading and their thoughts. If the students ever need to get into small groups for discussion, they can simply discuss with the people in their row or they can work with the people behind/in front of them.
The double horseshoe also allows for academic accommodations. For example, I can place the students with IEPs in the inner horseshoe. I will then be able to put my chair directly in the middle of the small horseshoe and work directly with them while the outer horseshoe students complete the assignments more independently. I can also change the seating chart throughout the school year as I track their progress and grades within my class.
Being in a horseshoe formation allows the students to easily look and listen to their classmates when they are speaking, but it also faces the board in times of lectures and board instruction. With this layout, I am easily able to circulate around the class to check in on students and answer questions while they compete class work. I am also able to see all of my students when I am standing up front, which is an advantage to this desk arrangement because I need to make sure all of my students are on task and I like to see all of their faces at once.
The double horseshoe also allows for academic accommodations. For example, I can place the students with IEPs in the inner horseshoe. I will then be able to put my chair directly in the middle of the small horseshoe and work directly with them while the outer horseshoe students complete the assignments more independently. I can also change the seating chart throughout the school year as I track their progress and grades within my class.
Being in a horseshoe formation allows the students to easily look and listen to their classmates when they are speaking, but it also faces the board in times of lectures and board instruction. With this layout, I am easily able to circulate around the class to check in on students and answer questions while they compete class work. I am also able to see all of my students when I am standing up front, which is an advantage to this desk arrangement because I need to make sure all of my students are on task and I like to see all of their faces at once.