Pairs Beat the Rows

 Summary of Amalia et al (2024)

This case study investigated classroom seating management in an Indonesian middle school, comparing pairs versus table rows. Through interviews with six students, two homeroom teachers, and two English teachers, researchers explored perceptions of comfort, focus, and participation. Both students and teachers overwhelmingly favored the pair seating layout. Pairs provided greater comfort, better teacher attention, and improved engagement during English lessons. Students sitting in pairs reported feeling more focused and connected, while those in table rows were often distracted by peer conversations. Teachers confirmed that rows led to more off-task behavior and reduced active participation. The study concludes that flexible, student-centered arrangements like pairs foster more effective language learning environments compared to traditional row-based seating, which, though common, limits interaction and engagement. Seating design thus emerges as a simple yet powerful tool for boosting middle school students’ learning experiences.

Reference:
Amalia, S. R., Nirwanto, R., & Widiastuty, H. (2024). Classroom seating management in Indonesian middle school: English teacher and students’ perspective. Sintaksis: Publikasi Para Ahli Bahasa dan Sastra Inggris, 2(4), 53–64. https://doi.org/10.61132/sintaksis.v2i4.765

Suggested Citation:
Ross, E. M., & Malar, D. B. J. (2025). Pairs Beat the Rows. Excellent Educator, 2(19), 5.