School Tables Vs. Desks. Which one should you choose?

In the past few years, the education system has drastically changed. Smartboards have replaced the old chalkboards and whiteboards. With the advent of the internet, online classes have emerged as a new form of learning. Even the structure of classrooms has changed. For a very long time, classrooms had individual seating arrangements. Now, schools are switching to student tables from desks as it allows student-teacher collaboration. 

If you are building a school or renovating one, you must be confused about whether to go for a school table or desk. In this blog, we have discussed all the good and bad aspects of tables and desks so that you can make an informed decision. 

Classroom Desks

If you have more students in a class, desks can look cluttered and cumbersome. However, you can be creative with the seating arrangement and make most of the classroom space. The first approach is to arrange the desks in rows in the centre of the classroom. Such seating arrangement allows for central focus. However, this desk arrangement is not ideal for group projects. Whenever arranging desks, always keep in mind the methods of instructions. This will make it easier for you to set the desks properly. 

You can also choose to set the desks in groups. You can create small groups of four-five desks to allow easy discussion and group work. The number of groups and students per group will depend upon the classroom space and students, respectively. Ensure you mix the students so that each group has an equal number of high-level and low-level readers. One of the most significant advantages of classroom desks is that you can use them in a number of ways. If there is a test or exam, you can separate the desks for individual seating. 

Classroom Tables

Student tables are ideal for accommodating up to five to six students. They not only allow teachers to hold group activities and encourage collaboration, but they also utilize less space. Even if you have a small room, you can add a few tables and chairs to create an activity room. However, since student tables can’t be separated when needed, they are not ideal for test or exam time. Students are also more likely to get distracted by what others are doing. To create privacy, you can use removable shields and partitions whenever needed. Removable dividers also help students to focus and concentrate on what is being taught by the teacher. 

When arranging student tables, ensure the students can push out their chairs with ease, and there is enough room for them to manoeuvre. This is also important for safety purposes. In case of any emergency, all the students should be able to reach the door with ease. You can also add some table-top organizers to create storage space. Make sure the organizers are ideally placed near the students so that they can grab the things they require without much effort. 

Whether you go for a school table or desk, you can make the most out of the available classroom space if you use the above tips.