Classroom Layout

Classroom Layout

Ryan S. Swapp

Arizona State University

Classroom Layout

Classroom Layout

Classrooms and their layouts are one of the most important aspects in building a conducive

learning environment. The classroom is the backdrop that will house and teach students through

the upcoming semester. I wanted to build something that had an open feeling that lets all students

view a large portion of the classroom. Additionally, I wanted something that would allow for

seamless transition between group projects and traditional lecture. With the 900 square feet

allotted to me I was able to fit seating for 36 students, near 360 degree viewing angles, and

would allow ample space for my preferred teaching style of white board modeling.

The entrance to the classroom would be found at the top right of the diagram. Seating for

the teacher is found at the head of the classroom. Additionally, there is a rolling cart that has

material to perform simple examples in front of the classroom and can be rolled back to its home

position at the bottom left of the diagram. Also, at the front of the classroom is two large

whiteboards and a projector screen for video presentations. In the back of the classroom are two
Classroom Layout

computer storage and charging units. Each student has access to a laptop that is loaded with

much needed software like LoggerPro, Stellarium, and Vernier Graphing Software. This allows

students to work on lab reports or group projects in the classroom if they do not have the

required material at home.

The layout of seating seems irregular, but it is not without purpose. Part of whiteboard

modeling is handing the “teaching” over to students while the teacher guides the conversation

from the periphery. White board modeling is a combination of teaching methods including to

some degree flipped classrooms and rally robin. There is a total of nine groups through out the

classroom. Each trapezoid desk (we’ll call it the presentations desks for this layout) is paired

with the regular desks set behind the presentation desk. The presentation desks all have 2’ x 3’

whiteboard that hang from the front and can be seen in the mock up. These can be filled out and

placed (in hollowed out grooves allowing for the board to stand freely on the desk). Groups may

work on the board with their partners behind them. The work could be anything from bell work

questions, lab breakdown (pre- or post-), or for looking at reading from prior to class. The boards

are filled out and then placed on the presentation desks for the rest of the class to see. The

students are then responsible for bringing up any questions or finding any contradictions in work

provided. The teacher then will pry further to get to the root of the material they are covering.

Students who require seating closer to the front for viewing issues will be placed closer to

the front of the classroom, so they will be closer to the instructor. The same goes for any students

struggling with classroom hierarchy or may require more consistent interaction with the teacher.

Given the layout of the classroom getting to all students for questions is manageable and efficient

not requiring wild navigation to get from student to student.

Classroom Layout

Layouts for the classroom will require different considerations depending on the teacher’s

preferences and requirements for instruction. My desire was to create something open, engaging,

and unique in hopes that students will look forward to coming to class to experience something

different than the traditional class. Of course, deliver of material will also drive that desire, but

having a comfortable initial impression of the classroom is a necessity to gain their interest and

participation.
Classroom Layout

References
Free Virtual Room Designer. (2019). Retrieved from The Library Store:
https://www.thelibrarystore.com/library_layouts