Kerala schools replace backbenches with U-shaped classroom seating; internet has mixed feelings about this
Kerala's education system is making headlines by transforming traditional classroom seating, moving away from the familiar 'backbencher' culture to adopt innovative U-shaped seating arrangements.
This fresh approach places students around the teacher in a semi-circular layout, designed to promote inclusivity, equal participation, and better student engagement. As Kerala schools rethink classroom design, the change has sparked lively discussions across social media—some celebrating the move as a step toward democratic and focused learning, while others express nostalgia for the creative freedom once found in back rows.
How
u-shaped classroom seating
promotes inclusivity and participation
In this new setup, desks are arranged in a U-formation, encircling the teacher at the centre. The idea is to promote equal participation by ensuring all students have direct visibility of the teacher—and vice versa. Advocates say this arrangement reduces classroom hierarchies, encourages engagement, and discourages distractions that often develop at the back of the room.
Inspired by a Malayalam film, Sthanarthi Sreekuttan, the initiative was first rolled out at a government school in Valakom and has since been adopted by other institutions across Kerala and even one in Punjab.
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Educators say the semi-circular layout supports inclusive learning, breaking down physical and psychological divides in the classroom.
Internet reacts to Kerala's backbench ban in classrooms
The move has triggered a flurry of responses across social media. Some users praised Kerala's education department for encouraging student equality and active engagement, especially in public schools where disparities in learning environments are more pronounced.
Others, however, felt nostalgic about the back rows—long considered a haven for quiet thinkers, introverts, or students seeking a mental break.
One popular post noted that while the new setup promotes visibility and attention, it might limit the creative freedom that backbenchers once enjoyed. Several users raised concerns about ergonomics too, suggesting that a constant sideways orientation could lead to discomfort during long hours.
Kerala's u-shaped seating shifts classroom culture
Many online commentators agreed that the shift represents more than just a new furniture layout—it signals a broader cultural change in how schools approach student engagement.
By physically removing the 'back' of the class, these schools are making a symbolic gesture toward flattening academic hierarchies, pushing for a more democratic learning environment.
Research
conducted at SLTP Negeri 2 Pematang Raya demonstrated the effectiveness of U-shaped seating for classroom discussions, especially in speaking classes with first-grade students. The study found that this arrangement helped teachers give clear instructions, monitor students easily, and interact better during discussions.
Over 77% of students expressed positive responses, stating they liked and felt comfortable with the U-shaped seating setup.
This evidence supports Kerala's move to adopt U-shaped classrooms as a proven strategy to increase participation and engagement.
While debates continue, there's no denying that Kerala's U-shaped classroom initiative has sparked interest, curiosity, and a fair bit of nostalgia. Whether or not other states follow suit, it's clear this classroom experiment has made people think—about how we learn, where we sit, and the roles those choices play in shaping educational experiences.
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