There has been new furniture that has been placed in certain classrooms. We have all probably seen the new chairs that have wheels on the bottom of them or the desks that you can turn around or flip. Many students are probably wondering, why don’t our classes have the furniture too?
There were teachers who received new furniture because they have new classrooms which were once teacher lounges. Some of the new furniture makes it difficult for teachers to reach their students. Since students like to sit in groups, the teacher needs to go through a maze-like route in order to reach them instead of the easy straight route, when all the tables were in rows. This can be problematic when students need help on assignments or projects since teachers cannot reach all of their students fast enough.
Although these note desks are easier for moving when doing projects, the old desks are just as moveable. The new desks lack much of the spaces that is needed, since students have a place for their pencil pouches, books and binders. It is also not big enough for poster paper that students use for projects, and it is difficult to draw on the floor.
It is also pretty distracting when it has become more convenient for students to interrupt the class with their conversations, since they can turn their chairs around to talk to their friends sitting behind them, and they can sit on their chairs and roll in the classroom. The note desks tend to be unorganized since they can be moved so easily. It is annoying when you come to class, because it becomes your class’ responsibility to put them back.
The rolling blue plastic chairs can also be quite uncomfortable at times due to its shape and structure. It can be quite unbearable when you have to sit there for almost an hour every single day. The old chairs connected to the desks make them easier to sit in since you have more space, while it also being better for your back.
I understand that the school is trying to implement new tools to help improve the learning environment, but new functions can create more distraction than trying to help make things better. I hope the administration will take this into consideration and try to find other ways to use furniture which will leave a positive impact on students.