The Effects of Seat Location on Students' Learning Behaviour in the Classroom

ABSTRACT

The classroom is a second home to students. Unless students have a comfortable and secure learning environment, they may develop learning problems. The preference of seat location of 22 Secondary 5 (Normal) Science students were sought. Three factors were found to have influenced the choice of seats — physical location of seats, personal habits and peer influence. Four target students were also identified for observation. The frequencies of their off-task behaviours were then related to their seating positions. Results show that seat location does contribute to students' classroom learning problems. A knowledge of seat preference will help teachers manage and counsel students' seat-related problems.