Differentiation through Flexible Seating

The article “Optimal Seating Plans? Letting Your Students Choose”, by Emelina Minero, is a case study of a California high school that has embraced the idea and technology of flexible seating which has led to variety differentiation opportunities in their high school.

They have categorized four different seating arrangements that help kids make the decision of what seating arrangement will help them be the most successful. Each one of these seating arrangements has it’s own differentiation potential. Since it’s spring time now and a sense of trust and respect for the classroom as been grounded, and teachers have a clear picture of the needs of their students, this would be a really interesting next step to try this in a classroom.

Independent Work Time: This is a time when kids are not in need of collaboration and work solely by themselves. The teachers in this video and article have them facing a wall so that there is little to no distractions. This also signals to the teacher that this student has a plan and they are working to meet it. Individual desks or tables work well with this type of seating plan.

• Differentiation Potential: In this seating arrangement, students who are more self-directed learners can work by themselves to accomplish the learning target and success criteria. Many students prefer to work alone because it creates a more focused environment which makes them feel more successful. The teacher could easily come and peek over their shoulder to check in to provide feedback. 

Collaborative Work Time: Students are seated at the front of the room with room enough for 4-5 students to sit and work together. There are usually more than just one table so the collaborative groups aren’t so big that students get off task. These groups have a goal they want to achieve and work together to gain better perspective and understanding of the task. Small tables or a few desks pulled together to form a table would work well with this type of seating plan.

• Differentiation Potential: This seating arrangement is meant for those who work better in a more collaborative setting. Kids who need this type of seating benefit from bouncing ideas off of one another and to receive peer feedback. This is also easy for a teacher to monitor and to have quick check-in conversations with the group as they progress through the task. 

Mini-Lesson Work Time: This seating arrangement is usually one small group who would like some one on one time with the teacher to ask questions and practice a skill they have deemed they need help on. A teacher could also create this group based on assessment data they have received and now have an opportunity to work closely with them to ensure they are leaving the mini lesson with a better understanding and practice. A small table or a few desks pulled together to form table would work well for this type of seating.

• Differentiation Potential: This seating arrangement is most beneficial for kids who have been absent or have not shown growth on a particular standard. The teacher can provide a pre-teach or re-teach model and additional practice for those who need it. This could also be a check-in time for students who want or need a one on one conference with their teacher about their progress. 

Whole Group Work Time: Students in this configuration are usually facing one another in a large circle. This arrangement is great for whole class discussion, such as a Socratic Seminar. In the video a girl makes a comment that sometimes it's easier to understand a concept when you are able to make eye contact. Possibly not having any tables, but a circle of chairs would work well for this seating arrangement.

• Differentiation Potential: Students hearing other students ideas is one way for them to comprehend a concept or skill. This seating arrangement is also for those auditory and verbal students who learn best when they can share their thinking aloud. This is also a great opportunity for the teacher to identify and address misconceptions the class as a whole may have.

Even without the fancy tables, many teachers could make these types of seating arrangements in their classrooms. Might take some imagination, but kids might think it neat to come into a room that has been totally rearranged! Offering them the seating choice might also up their engagement level as the sun starts to make its way to the Pacific Northwest!