Types of classroom layouts

A classroom can be arranged in various layouts depending on the teaching methods. Each layout has its own advantages and constraints. The major classroom furniture arrangements are listed belowTraditional classroom U shape V shape Herringbone Informal Cabaret

Informal Layouts

Informal layouts are organic in terms of furniture arrangement. The classroom images in the right shows a few examples of different informal classroom layouts. These layouts are group friendly, support team work and collaborative learning. Informal layouts promotes interaction. The same furniture can be used to create different table arrangements according to the number of students in a group. Teacher can interact with each one of the students without hinderance. Learning happens from every direction. No fixed place for teacher. The furniture used is easy to move and is light in weight. It can have castors to ease mobility.

Traditional Layouts

Traditional layout variations can be seen in the images in the right. These layouts are very structured and organised. Only one to one interaction is possible with the teacher. In traditional layouts the teacher's table is in the front and his/her movement is restricted. The furnitures used in the traditional layout does not support any other arrangement or teaching methods. The furniture is hard to move. Traditional classroom layouts do not support interaction among students. Learning happens only from the teacher. These layouts can have visibilty issues for the students sitting in the back.