Desks act like an invisible barrier to my Spanish class. Currently, I have a set of 34 antiquated fixed tablet-arm desks in my class. Spacing between the desks is tight. Because of these large desks, I do not have a lot of space to circulate in between desks and conference with students. Desks also prevent students from getting in and out their seats quickly to do a round-robin exercise, go to learning stations, act out skits of dialogue and form mini circles with their desks for small group activities.
Desks act like an invisible barrier in the classroom while a deskless classroom builds community. In a classroom that is tight with desks, students can easily conceal the use of cellphones or use the class as a study block to complete work for another class. Desks provide a perfect place for a student to put their head down and zone out.
My Spanish class is structured with input and discussion throughout the period. With a deskless classroom and having all chairs facing me, I can see their full selves and see that they are not distracted. With tables around the perimeter of my class and a class set of clipboards, students have flexible ways to work. Students can pick where they would like to sit and work. They can work in their seat, pull their chair up to a table, sit within a group or wherever within the classroom they feel is comfortable.
Going deskless will build community in the class because there are no more barriers with desks. This will encourage students to collaborate and participate in all activities in Spanish more fully.
About my class
Desks act like an invisible barrier to my Spanish class. Currently, I have a set of 34 antiquated fixed tablet-arm desks in my class. Spacing between the desks is tight. Because of these large desks, I do not have a lot of space to circulate in between desks and conference with students. Desks also prevent students from getting in and out their seats quickly to do a round-robin exercise, go to learning stations, act out skits of dialogue and form mini circles with their desks for small group activities.
Desks act like an invisible barrier in the classroom while a deskless classroom builds community. In a classroom that is tight with desks, students can easily conceal the use of cellphones or use the class as a study block to complete work for another class. Desks provide a perfect place for a student to put their head down and zone out.
My Spanish class is structured with input and discussion throughout the period. With a deskless classroom and having all chairs facing me, I can see their full selves and see that they are not distracted. With tables around the perimeter of my class and a class set of clipboards, students have flexible ways to work. Students can pick where they would like to sit and work. They can work in their seat, pull their chair up to a table, sit within a group or wherever within the classroom they feel is comfortable.
Going deskless will build community in the class because there are no more barriers with desks. This will encourage students to collaborate and participate in all activities in Spanish more fully.