For developmental psychologist Yvonne van den Berg, the COVID crisis has confirmed one thing above all: to stay mentally healthy, people need each other in close proximity. In her PhD research, which she completed in 2015, she already discovered that children start to like each other more when they sit close to each other in the classroom. Since then, Van den Berg has been studying classroom dynamics.
“Of course, it is important that students feel good about themselves,” says Van den Berg. “Their experiences at school can have a major impact. And if they don't feel good about something, they can't just leave. How do you, as a teacher, ensure that students are part of the group, literally and figuratively?”
Monitoring is a first step, says Van den Berg. “After the summer holidays, ask students to fill in a form about who they like and who they don’t; this immediately gives you an idea of the relationships in the classroom.” The seating plan can be adapted accordingly, which can make a difference. “There are separate programmes to eliminate bullying completely, but you can probably make a bullied person feel more secure by seating them next to their friends. Seating friends together also can also help to enhance learning performance.”
Subtle actions
The research provides teachers with tools, but there are no golden rules. “Those befriended students can achieve better learning results, but they can also have too much fun and cause unrest.” Due to all the variables, a single solution for every class doesn’t exist. “One teacher prefers to seat active children in the front to keep a closer eye on them, while another spreads them out in the classroom, thus preventing the other students from receiving too little attention.”
“The seating plan is one thing, but there are many other subtle actions that can also make a big difference, such as the teacher's facial expression or walking pattern. It may well be that you unconsciously look stern or angry and that you are disregarding some students. We also want to study these aspects to make it easier for teachers and students. In their classrooms, teachers and students ultimately have to work together.”
Tip: Make an impact with a small gesture
“Just like at school, in society at large we are dependent on each other. And even outside the classroom, a small gesture can make a big difference. Greet each other in passing, smile when you see someone or send someone a warm message during the Christmas holidays.”
Photo: Jorrit Lousberg. Source: Netwerk Mediawijsheid via Flickr