One determining factor of a classroom’s dynamic is the seating arrangement. While many teachers may prefer an assigned seating chart, most students favor the opposite. The best option is actually a balance between the two.

   While sitting with your friends may be nice, it can lead to misbehavior that can negatively impact you and your classmates’ learning. According to an article about the effectiveness of seating plans, students who sit where they choose, whether that is next to their friends or in the back of the classroom, are three times more likely to cause disruption (calmerclassrooms.today). This can easily turn into slipping grades and falling behind on work.

   Child Psychology Teacher Nina Bain uses both free seating and assigned seating depending on what is needed for that day’s learning. “Some activities require more structure and focus [where assigned seats would be necessary] while others benefit from collaboration with others [where free seating would be granted],” said Bain. Although she chooses to use assigned seating most of the time to “minimize distractions like side conversations,” she also sees the value in free seating. “I understand that students want to socialize in class, and I’m not completely against that. I like seeing my students engaged with one another, especially when I see new friendships, but there is a time and place for that,” she said.

   Students tend to be more comfortable around familiar people. “I dislike being with people I am not friends with, because it is awkward to talk to them,” said Senior Dyami Collins. Although it may be a little weird to talk with strangers, after a while, you begin to become acquainted with your classmates. According to an article about the benefit to assigned seats, “If the goal of your classroom is community, then, I think it is really important not only having assigned seats early on but intentionally rotating them over the year so that students have opportunities to work with different classmates” (thebrokencopier.substack.com).

   Chemistry Teacher Maureen Quessenberry also hopes to build community in her classroom. “The biggest benefit of assigned seating is allowing students to interact with new folks. It really helps the sense of community in a classroom when you know everyone in the room. You do not necessarily have to enjoy everyone you work with, but you can learn to be an effective group member. I think being able to work with a varied group of people is a skill many students need help with. If you are always sitting with the same group, you lose the opportunity to be exposed to new ideas and thinking,” she said.

  Being able to work with people you might not know will also help you later in life in the workplace. Your colleagues are not always going to be your friends, let alone people you like, but it is important you put that to the side and work together to find success. According to an article about the importance of collaboration, teamwork encourages collaboration, boosts productivity, develops communication skills, enhances workplace relationships, and develops leadership skills (workforce.sinclaire.edu). By using diverse thinking to expand your knowledge, you can bond with your coworkers, gain new ideas, and find better solutions in less time. All this can be practiced in the classroom, working with “new” classmates.

  The best type of seating arrangement truly depends on the teacher and their teaching style, the class and its involvement, and the students in that class. If a teacher prefers independent learning, assigned seats may be best for that class. If the class has activities that require collaboration, free seating may be the best course of action. If some students are struggling and others are excelling, an assigned seating arrangement may work best to engage those who need help while promoting those doing well.