08 July 2019

Seating Arrangements

Author/Compiled by
Sreevidya Satish (Ecosan Services Foundation)

Executive Summary

Seating along with related physical arrangements creates the foundation for meetings, programs and trainings. Often called room setups, they encompass comfort, access and safety for the attendants, and when selected appropriately, extend a presenter's influence in the room, broadcast intention and eliminates distractions.

Advantages
Learners are given a new perspective on the activity by sitting in a different part of the room
They get better acquainted with their peers
Learners are not consistently "punished" by being at greater distances from the screen or speakers
Small cliques do not arise - there is nothing wrong with cliques but in some cases they can become a problem by forcing their norms or agendas upon the entire group
Disadvantages
Usually more “interactive” seating arrangements need more space, which might not be available
Need to have flexible seats so that they can be arranged in different styles
Needs prior planning and enough “helping hands” to rearrange seating arrangements, which might not be available

Introduction

Factsheet Block Body

When thinking about the learning environment, good trainers must consider many variables including seating arrangements. Having the proper seating arrangement can impact everything from group dynamics to comfort and visibility. Hopefully you instruct in a setting where the seating can be modified to enhance the learning environment (KROEHNERT 2007). However, there are some situations, for instance a computer lab, where you may not be able to do any alternations.

However, for those who have the luxury of arranging the seating, the following list provides some scenarios you might encounter in the classroom, and may influence decisions when it comes to making seating arrangements.

  • Distance usually reduces participation (e.g. learners sitting the back of the class are less likely to participate than those sitting in the front).
  • Arranging the seating in any type of row has a tendency to limit interaction.
  • Friends or co-workers attending the same training will usually sit together.
  • Difficult learners usually sit as far away from the instructor as possible.

 

Seating setups fall into two broad categories: large groups (generally over 40) and small groups (usually under 40) (WALLACE 2002).

Large Group Setups

Factsheet Block Body

The most commonly used, but not always the most appropriate, style of seating for large groups is theatre style. Other options are classroom and c chevron styles.

Theatre St

 

 
Theater Style
Accommodates the most people per area.
About 10-13 square feet per person.
Appropriate for lectures and keynoters.
Note taking cumbersome for audience

Classroom Style

 
Classroom Style
Same as theatre style but with tables.
About 17-20 square feet per person.
Supports note taking and use of handout materials.

Chevron Style 

 
Chevron Style
Provides place for beverages and elbows.
Most interactive of large group setups.
Promotes a sense of participation.
About 20-23 square feet per person.
Can be setup with or without tables.

Modified Chevron

 
Modified Chevron
Can be setup with or without tables.
Improves visibility of speaker and visuals from side sections. More interactive than Theatre or Classroom

Different possibilities of arranging seats for large groups. Source: WALLACE (2002)

Small Groups Setups

Factsheet Block Body

All the small group setups (perpendicular, U-shape, semi-circle, hollow square or rectangle, boardroom, cluster and chevron) provide for and encourage the audience to take an active role in the presentation/meeting and to communicate with their peers.

Large group setups, such as theatre or classroom, are sometimes used for small group presentations without realising they create a formal, impersonal atmosphere that may work against the learning goals and objectives of the program and can present serious problems in learning environments requiring audience-to-audience interaction such as discussions, problem solving, or honest feedback. When an audience is able to make eye contact with other members, as in chevron style, the audience builds a sense of community and group learning occurs. Small group works setups are ideal for planning/strategy meetings, focus groups, information sharing, status reports and introduction of new ideas.

Hollow Square or Rectangle

 
Hollow square or rectangle
For meetings where hierarchy is not an issue. Excellent for facilitator led meetings. Encourages audience participation. Awkward to use any visuals.

Boardroom

 
Boardroom
Very good for groups between 6 and 15.
Suggests formality and hierarchy. Over 15, people at the far end table may feel left out and form a separate group

Perpendicular Style

 
Perpendicular style
Seats can be on either outside or inside of tables. Instructor can survey students' work. Easy exchange between presenter and audience. Centre usable for exhibits or demos

U-Shape

 
U-shape
Encourages collaboration. Centre area usable for simulations and role plays. Can be used with or without speaker table

Semi-circle or Circle

 
Semi-circle or circle
Can be setup with or without tables. Presenter's role is minimal. Excellent for emotional sessions such as discussions. Encourages a sense of group and bonding.

Cluster Style

 
Cluster style
Good if students have to do many group works. Clusters easily return to being a single group. Quick and easy to follow with a meal. Tables can be either round or small rectangles. Needs a lot of space.

Different possibilities of arranging seats for small groups. Source: WALLACE (2002)

Applicability

Seating arrangements for conferences or training sessions help boost the efficiency and effectiveness of the sessions. Selecting the right seating arrangement that will support the presenter and theme of the training session is very important.

Library References
Further Readings
Training Material

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