Room Arrangement for Childbirth Classes

How does the arrangement of the furniture affect group dynamics?

Room arrangement makes a huge difference. If you don't believe this, try experiments:

U shape with instructor at front. Advantages: students can all see each other and can see instructor well (especially for demos of positions, comfort techniques, etc. Sets up instructor as authority, but in a friendlier way than seminar seating. Instructor can move into the center of the room, move toward people when they ask questions; this dynamic motion helps to engage students. Disadvantages: Takes up a lot of space. Some students are uncomfortable looking at each other rather than looking straight ahead at white board. Things to be aware of: Make sure all the chairs face more forward to the front of the room rather than into the center of the room... otherwise students spend lots of the class turned sideways in their chairs. Very uncomfortable! Having tables in front of them can reduce the discomfort some may feel at facing each other. U-shape can be the best compromise shape for a class with a mix of lecture, group discussion, small groups, etc.

Circle. Advantages: Everyone can see everyone. Equalizer. Best for group discussions. Disadvantages: Takes up lots of space. Some people may be uncomfortable facing each other. Doesn’t really work well with tables. May not be good for videos or visual aids as some people won’t have a good view.

Seminar seating (rows of tables with chairs on one side, all facing the board) or theater seating (rows of chairs facing forward, no tables). Advantages: sets up a formal learning structure, focuses attention forward.  Good view of visuals for those in the front of the room. Best for lectures. Disadvantages: may be too formal, and discourage interaction amongst students, and even interaction between students and teachers. Those in the back of the room may have a harder time seeing and hearing.

Banquet style seating (students gathered around tables, facing inward). Advantages: best for small group activities. Good for encouraging interaction and getting students to teach each other. Disadvantages: For any lecture, half the people have to turn around in their chairs to see the front of the room. Could encourage people to only interact with the people at their table, and not with the full class.

 

c. Janelle Durham, 2004