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Arrange your classroom to encourage optimal learning

Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education, September 15, 2006

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How are your classrooms and learning areas arranged? Do you have the flexibility to physically alter the setting? If you do, think about doing the following:

• Avoid arranging an aisle in the center of your learners' seats. The center is really the best place to sit for viewing the educator and any audiovisuals. Place aisles to either side of your audience whenever possible.
• Traditional classroom settings consist of rows of desks or tables facing the front of the room. The educator faces learners from behind a podium or desk or stands in front of them. This is a formal structure and can be intimidating for adults. Consider options such as U-shaped groupings of tables or desks, square or rectangle arrangements, or a series of round tables. Round tables are particularly conducive to small group activities.
• Avoid standing behind a desk or podium. This keeps you at a psychological distance from the learners.

Tip: Always have electric adaptors available. You may have trouble with two or three-pronged plugs that don't match outlets.

Editor's note: The above excerpt is from the online course, "Nursing CE Series: Successful Strategies for Training Your Nursing Staff." For more information on this and other courses in our library, go to http://www.hcprofessor.com/.

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