Tiruchy school using 'Pa'-shaped seating for over two decades counters criticism

New Indian Express

4 days ago

TIRUCHY: Amid widespread criticism over the School Education Department's (SED) directive to implement a 'Pa'-shaped seating arrangement in classrooms, a rural aided school in Uppiliyapuram block stands as a compelling counter-example, having used the model for over two decades.
The seating style, model after the Tamil letter Pa, forms a semi-circle with the teacher at the centre.
While the SED circular issued last week raised concerns over health issues such as neck strain and poor ergonomics, the aided middle school in Venkatachalapuram insists it has reaped long-standing benefits from the arrangement.
Headmaster Ravichandran V, under whose leadership the model has been in place since 2001, said the layout transforms the classroom into a more focused and interactive space.
'The formation ensures that every student is within the teacher's line of sight, and vice versa. Unlike traditional row seating, where the students at the back go unnoticed, this arrangement demands individual attention and promotes discipline,' he said.
With 33 years of teaching experience, Ravichandran emphasised that the model reduces distractions and enhances eye contact between students and teachers.
'It's easier to monitor students. In the old system, many children mentally drift off. With this, you can spot it instantly,' he added.