It’s proven - seating layouts really matter

8th Oct 2008 @ 4.09pm

I was very interested to read an article in The Times that seating layouts at school make a huge difference to learning. Round (or oval) tables work far better than typical classroom layouts.

We know this from our work with leadership meetings. As soon as people sit in auditorium rows, they expect to be talked at and not interact. This style is fine for cinemas as you are there to sit, listen and watch - but not for business interaction.

As the article shows, pupils learn much more from each other in dialogue. They are put in the driving seat and develop ideas together, as opposed to being lectured.

We work hard to ensure that the leadership meetings we plan and host are full of interaction, resulting in vastly increased energy and commitment as the leaders take ownership. We have worked with groups of ten, hundreds and even a thousand this way - with remarkable results every time.

So, ditch the auditorium seating if you want engagement - it doesn’t work in education or in business.

posted by Paul Honeywell
filed under Misc