Student Feedback on Flexible Seating

Reviewing for a test, playing Kahoot, and
enjoying some flexible seating. 

So we've been here one month so far. And in that month, I received more items from Donors Choose. That meant that my room got to be a bit more crowded with furniture. So we've worked to try and sort things out and make it possible to move around.
A few things that have helped:

1. Tuck your bookbags under your desks or chairs. Keep them out of the aisles.
2. No moving chairs. I tried to get the chairs where they would flow best. But I had students taking my disc chairs and moving them to other places. This caused more congestion in certain areas. So when they come in, they choose a seat based on where it is.

I figured the best way to find out about how well things were going was to actually ask my students. So here are some of their feedback about Flexible Seating.



I asked:
What do you think about how flexible seating? Give me your opinion and thoughts.

So first thing I learned was that they feel it's having an impact on well they are doing in school. 

"I like it it's more fun and I feel like I don't daydream as much in this class as I do in the others without it"

"Flexible seating has a positive impact on my work in this class. It is more enjoyable to sit in comfy seats, so I am more excited to come to this class."

"I personally really enjoy it and I think I'm more productive when working with my friends and it a comfortable seat."

"I think flexible seating allows students to learn in an environment they are more comfortable in, and this may allow them to stay more focused on what's happening in class and not if their seat is comfortable or not."

"I think that it is a great way to help kids who might have social anxiety to feel more comfortable in the classroom."

"Flexible seating has allowed me to be so much more comfortable in class, and while others may disagree it is very beneficial to my concentration. When I don't have to worry about who I'm sitting next to, or if I will be comfortable or not, I can focus better on what we are learning that day."

"Flexible seating is a great thing! Students get to have a choice of where they work best, whether that's traditional seating or comfy seats. When you get to choose where you sit, you are more comfortable and do better in school."

They enjoy coming to class because it helps make for a better day:

"The flexible seating is a great idea and it is my favorite class because of all the comfortable seating options"

"I really like it because it relaxes me and relieves some of the stress I'm carrying throughout the day"

"I enjoy it because I get to meet new people that I didn't know that well in my class before"

"It's basically the best thing ever to ever happen ever"

"It's a great addition to a classroom. Everyone works in different environments, so having different seats creates a more productive and comfortable classroom."

"It's nice to come to after hours of sitting in a desk."

Remember when you weren't given a choice? I have a 5 year old and a 3 year old at home, and I constantly have to remember that they are told when to do everything. When to eat, when to sleep, what to wear, etc... 
Well guess what? Teens are often told a lot of these things too. 
They like to be given choices. 

"I like it. I like being able to sit in different places because depending on the assignment I work better in different seats"

"I think it's awesome!!!It's super nice not to be told where to sit!!! It feels like we get more freedom and we are not restricted to one seat"

"Flexible seating gives students a different learning environment. In all other classes they include hard, uncomfortable seating that can distract from learning."

"It adds a more comfortable tone to the environment and I find it quite pleasurable to speak with classmates about schooling but also focus on the board."


What I also learned is that it's not for everyone. And there are definitely things that we can improve on. Trying to make it easy to get around, have goofballs make smart decisions, and also allow for those that need a desk to get things done.  

"I like it! But i think its a little crowded"

"I like flexible seating, but some shouldn't be able to sit next to each other."

"I think it's a good idea but it just has to be carried out the right way. In your room you have lots of different types of seats in different places and they make it hard to move around in the room. Like giant chairs taking up floor space to move. also I think there is too many different seats besides desks."

"I like it! But i think its a little crowded"

"I prefer a regular desk."

And then there are those that I need to reach out to, in order to make sure their needs are being met as well. 

"I don't really like it"


One thing that I have learned in my 8 years of teaching is that it's not my way that matters, if it's not working for the kids. I want to reach out to my students and make sure they are happy and content. So I ask them. I use Google Forms a lot to ask for help. They fill it out quickly when they enter my room and then I can look over their answers when I get a chance.
At the end of the year I do surveys and ask my students what they liked and didn't like about my class. They are allowed to stay anonymous. I want them to feel they can be open and honest. Even if it opens me up to getting my feelings hurt. Which really rarely happens. Kids are kind.