Desks are Outdated

To build an environment for learning, classrooms should not look like mini lecture halls. The desks should be arranged where students can see each other, i.e. a circle. The desks could also be put in groups where students will then have the opportunity to work with other students. It is now being argued that desks are something of the past and to move forward, teachers need to have spaces where students can work that are not at a desk. Some teachers have created areas where students can stand at a table to work. This has been successful because students tend to move and wiggle in their chairs, but standing up can get this energy out. Another way to get away from the desk is by having a table top on the ground so students can work as a group while crouching or sitting on the floor. A teacher has also created quiet working spaces and this helps some students when they are having a hard time working with others. This is also a great way to let the students have a choice. They can choose where they want to work and get the opportunity to sit with who they want. 

Ayers says that he uses the same desk, which is really a table, that the students use and his desk is pushed to the side to be used as a work space. This is a great idea since teachers will still need an area to grade papers and put their things. I have never thought about this concept of moving the desks around and not having a teacher sit at a desk in the front of the room because throughout elementary school that is what I knew. I love reading about different perspectives of classroom set up and how to make your classroom an environment for learning.