Below are three classroom arrangements with tables and chairs for the teacher and students. They are numbered 1, 2, and 3. Which arrangement would provide the most support for progressive learning?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks which classroom arrangement best supports progressive learning, and we are given three layouts to compare.
Option 1 depicts desks arranged in long, fixed rows with groups aligned along one side, which tends to emphasize teacher-led instruction and individual work rather than student collaboration. This setup can limit spontaneous discussion and peer feedback, making it less ideal for progressive learning approaches that rely on inquiry and interaction.
Option 2 shows multiple small clusters of desks around the room, with each group able to discuss, rotate roles, and engage in cooperative tasks. This configuration supports collaborative learning, ongoing peer-to-peer dialogue, and rapid idea sharing, all of which are hallmarks of progressive education models.
Option 3 appears to place students in dense rows along one side or in a layout that prioritizes vertical sightlines to the front, which can hinder movement, reduce opportunities for cross-group collaboration, and constrain teacher facilitation of small-group work. Such a design is more aligned with traditional lecture formats than with progressive learning principles.
In terms of supporting progressive learning, the key factors are collaboration, flexibility for group work, and ease of teacher facilitation across groups. Option 2 best satisfies these criteria by enabling students to work in teams, discuss ideas openly, and receive timely feedback, while allowing the teacher to circulate and support multiple groups.
Therefore, option 2 is the arrangement that provides the most support for progressive learning, as it fosters interaction, collaboration, and active engagement among students.

Below are three classroom arrangements with tables and chairs for the teacher and students. They are numbered 1, 2, and 3. Which arrangement would provide the most support for progressive learning?

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