- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Wed, 16 Jul 2025 02:02 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
kerala U-shaped Classroom Layout: In a bold move aimed at reshaping the learning environment, Kerala schools are replacing conventional linear seating with a U-shaped classroom layout. Designed to surround the teacher in a semi-circular fashion, this layout fosters direct eye contact and open communication among all students. By eliminating the concept of 'backbenchers', it aims to give every student equal access to learning and interaction, especially important in public schools where disparity in attention is often evident.
Inspired by Cinema, Driven by Innovation:
Interestingly, the inspiration for this initiative sprang from the Malayalam film Sthanarthi Sreekuttan, which highlighted the social divide within traditional seating arrangements. The first experimental rollout took place in a government school at Valakom, with encouraging outcomes. The concept quickly gained traction and spread across the state and even reached a school in Punjab. Educators say students in U-shaped classrooms show more involvement in discussions, enhanced focus, and improved student–teacher rapport.
Psychological and Educational Benefits Recognised:
Experts believe this new alignment has deep psychological impacts. The semi-circular seating reduces invisible hierarchies in classrooms and helps shrink the emotional gap between students and teachers. Research from Indonesia’s SLTP Negeri 2 Pematang Raya supports this by showing that over 77% of students felt more comfortable and engaged in a U-shaped seating classroom, specifically in verbal learning scenarios. Educators in Kerala echo these findings, noting significant improvement in class participation and clarity of communication.
Mixed Netizen Reactions Highlight Sentimental Divide:
While educators and reformists celebrate the innovative leap, not everyone is on board.
“Great move by Kerala schools! This is how you ensure every child feels seen and heard in the classroom.” – @EduReformIndia
“I miss the old backbench days—where creativity brewed in silence and whispers. Structure shouldn't kill spontaneity.” – @RetroLearner
“It's not just a seating plan; it’s a shift in mindset. Exciting but needs time to adapt ergonomically.” – @AwareTeacher
“Can we talk about the neck strain? Cool idea but need ergonomic chairs if students need to turn constantly.” – @ClassroomErgo
Kerala’s new seating policy has clearly sparked meaningful conversations—not just about furniture, but about the evolving philosophy of education itself.
