We are all set in our ways, to some degree. We have a certain routine and procedure, to our organization and framework, for the day. Students generally, sit in the same desk, put their backpack, in a similar location, even layout their supplies, on the table, in the same grouping. I have noticed this a lot, lately. If someone tries to upturn the apple cart and actually sit in a different seat, this throws off everyone around them. Sometimes to the point, where they will stand there and argue with one another, "You know that I always sit in that desk." Finally, reluctantly, the new comer, will vacate the seat and order is restored.
I wondered, "How can I get my students, to be more flexible, when it comes to their seating?" Flexibility comes from a sense of security and a place of compromise. To stir things up, I moved the desks around to completely new locations. I still let them sit where they wanted, a flexible, student-centered classroom is still, in full swing. However, just taking the tables and placing them in long configurations, like two giant dining room tables, has seemed to open up their minds, to a more collaborative outlook. It has gotten them talking to people, they usually don't talk to. The new configuration, has them placing their backpacks, up against the wall, and out of the way. Finally, it has them moving seats from day to day. They are now more flexible, with where they sit. All I had to do was bring them closer together.
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