In the heart of rural Madhya Pradesh, a simple reimagining of the classroom layout is making big waves. Inspired by Kerala’s innovative model, the government school in Dongargaon (Burhanpur district) has moved away from the traditional rows—and the concept of “backbenchers”—and embraced a U-shaped seating arrangement. This shift has sparked a powerful change in how students engage and connect.
The initiative at Government High School, Dongargaon was led by Principal Jagdish Patil, who had read about Kerala’s similar experiment and a Malayalam film—Sthanarthi Sreekuttan. Moved by the idea, he introduced the new seating design in Class 10, later expanding it to Class 9. With approximately 90 students and six educators, the setup ensures every student has equal visibility and access, fostering more dialogic, inclusive classroom interaction. Early feedback reflects positive student confidence and increased participation—so much so, neighboring schools are now taking note.
Inspired by Broader Momentum
This classroom transformation is part of a growing wave across India. For instance:
- Schools in Kerala have universally adopted U‑shaped seating to eliminate backbencher culture and foster engagement
- In Tripura, the PM SHRI Sabroom Girls’ Higher Secondary School introduced U-shaped layouts from Classes I to XII, making every child feel prioritized and visible
- Tamil Nadu classrooms are also embracing U-shape designs. Educators see it as a disruptive tool to break hierarchies and encourage collaborative learning.
Benefits and Considerations
Why this layout works:
- Equal visibility removes the stigma of “backbenchers”—every student becomes part of the conversation.
- It invites active participation, reduces distractions, and strengthens peer-to-peer dialogue.
- Teachers can engage more easily with all students, making lessons inclusive and dynamic.
Potential challenges:
- Health experts have raised concerns about prolonged head bending possibly causing neck or musculoskeletal issues, especially in older students. They advise regular seat rotation and encouraging head movement to mitigate risks.
What This Means for Rural Classrooms
For schools with limited resources and large classes, this simple layout shift signifies more than aesthetics—it’s a commitment to egalitarian engagement, student-centered teaching, and breaking away from rigid hierarchies. It showcases how small design adjustments can nurture inclusive, confident, and collaborative learners.
Your Turn to Lead
Could a U-shape layout work in your school or classroom? Try a pilot—possibly with one class—and observe how it changes interactions.
Share your experience or enquiry on layout innovations in the comments.
Let’s reimagine classrooms where every student matters, every voice is heard, and learning thrives together. Become a Member of the Society for Educators and make a difference.
Last modified: August 15, 2025
