One of the most essential parts of a classroom is the desks. Students need somewhere to sit while they learn, and they usually need some kind of surface to use for working. Desk type and arrangement can play a big part in learning and student success. In a science classroom where students are going to be working together to do experiments and other projects, single desks may not be the best option. In a history classroom, where students will be mostly working independently, individual desks are probably the best choice. In a college classroom, where lectures are often taught in large auditorium type rooms, it’s beneficial to have seats with folding desks. Whatever the case may be, desks are crucial to a classroom. Let’s dive into some of the different types of desks.
First, we have a traditional open front or top-lifting desk and chair. These desks are great for elementary aged classes where students stay in one room for most of their subjects, as students can store their school supplies in their own desk. Typically, these kinds of desks have a free standing chair that is not attached to the desk itself. This is great for easily rearranging desks into any configuration that might be beneficial for the teacher and students. It also makes for easy cleaning for the custodial crew, as the chairs can be stacked at the end of the day. The in-desk storage is also a nice feature for students who are going to be in the same classroom all day. It gives them a place to store their things and have a little personal spot of their own.
Second, there is the single desk with a chair attached. This type of desk usually doesn’t have storage options, and is often found in secondary classrooms. These desks are often cumbersome, as the chair and desk are all once piece. Moving these types of desks is a pain, and trying to figure out an arrangement with them can be tricky. They work great for teachers who don’t want to deal with chairs and desks all over their room. One downside to this type of desk is that they aren’t very “user friendly” for students who are taller, have smaller body types, or have larger body types, as they can’t adjust how closely (or how far away) they sit to the desk.
Next, we have tables and chairs. These can usually fit 2-3 students a piece, and are ideal for science, art, or other creation type classes. They offer ample space for writing, working, and doing experiments and other projects. They allow for students to easily work together. They are, however, more cumbersome, and don’t allow for as many seating arrangements.
Lastly, there are the chairs that have folding desks attached to them. These desks are great for college classes where space is limited and no storage is needed. However, they don’t offer a ton of surface space for writing and working. This can get tricky if a student needs to have a computer, notepad, and textbook out at the same time: there just wouldn’t be enough space to hold everything.
Obviously, these are not the only types of desks that can be found. These ones, however, are the most common. Picking the type of desk for your classroom is an important aspect of student learning and engagement. What kind of desks do you have in your classroom, or what is your favorite type of desk for students to use?