End of Frontbenchers and Backbenchers Era in Kerala Schools

Kerala schools are creating a sensation through the implementation of a new seating arrangement that breaks away the tradition of backbenchers and frontbenchers making the classrooms in Kerala schools a more participatory place. 

This new seating arrangement is inspired by a Malayalam film “Sthanarthi Sreekuttan” where students are positioned in a semicircular or U-shaped manner in such a way that each and every student can see his/her teacher and every student is equally visible. The teacher stands at the open end of the U, allowing for direct interaction with all students and minimizing the chances of anyone feeling neglected or left out

The change is already being implemented in several schools in Kerala such as RVV HSS in Kollam, Pappinisseri West LP School in Kannur, RCC LPS East Mangad in Thrissur and GHSS at Tholanur in Palakkad. 

Both teachers and students report that there are positive results like active participation in classes, ability to take better notes, and visible boost in academic achievement. The new seating arrangement helps prevent misbehavior often associated with students sitting at the back and also eliminates the negative label of “backbenchers,” which can affect self-esteem and negatively influence many students.

The education officials of Kerala are closely observing the results with an intention to introduce the practice to a larger scale depending on the classroom size and the strength of the students. This is viewed by experts and educators to be a step towards student-centered learning destroying stratification in the traditional system and enhancing equal opportunities to all. 

This change in seating arrangement is also attracting the interest of educationists not only in India but also in other parts of the world since it also resonates with the current pedagogical trends that emphasize visibility, accessibility, and active classroom involvement.

Kerala’s reconceptualization of classroom seating serves as an example for the rest of the nation and the world, offering not just a dramatic change in classroom design but also a meaningful intervention that will help improve students’ learning experiences and well-being.