Step 2: Using the Physical Space to Disrupt Hierarchies

The physical setup of the classroom can signal that everyone in the room is both a teacher and a learner. Standing at the front of the room literally and figuratively places the teacher above the students, which is why Christina Villarreal (known to her students as “V”) makes a point to sit in the circle during class discussions. Arranging her classroom this way helps “agentize” her students and empower them to lead discussion. As she explains, “Central to my philosophy as an educator is meeting students where they are. There are physical cues that can communicate that. I’m a teacher, but I’m also a learner in this space. I’m a speaker, but I’m also a listener. I’m trying in every kind of curricular and pedagogical move I make to communicate that philosophy.”

Profiled: Christina “V” Villarreal, Lecturer on Education, teaches "Ethnic Studies and Education" to 23 students at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Takeaway Tips

Before the course begins, take a look around the physical space of your classroom. Sit at a student desk and experience their position. Then consider how you might make changes to the classroom layout to help “agentize” your students. 

If furniture allows, arrange seating in a circular formation to communicate that every voice matters. This also makes it easier for students to see each other’s faces and hear each other’s contributions.

Position yourself within the circle, too. This simple but not insignificant act can help to challenge inherent student-teacher hierarchies and minimize the distance, literal and figurative, between your students and you.

Visit other classrooms on your campus to see how colleagues are arranging their spaces. Look for ideas you can take back to your classroom.

Related Resources

The article “Classroom Seating Arrangements” from the Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning at Yale presents six different possible seating arrangements and also includes tips for online spaces. 

“Teaching with Discussions” from The Teaching Center at Washington University in St. Louis offers tips for instructors before, during, and after discussion, including how to create a comfortable non-threatening environment from the first class onward. 

"Making the Space for Learning" from HGSE's Project Zero discusses the link between learning spaces and learning outcomes.

Reflection Questions

How does the physical arrangement of your classroom maintain and/or disrupt the power difference between teacher and students? What changes might you make? 

How can you arrange your classroom so that students feel comfortable taking the lead in learning activities? 

Joining the discussion circle helps Christina Villarreal place her students at the center of the classroom. In the next video, we’ll learn more about how you can step back to elevate student voice.

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