In a bold experiment to make learning more interactive, several government schools in Kerala have redesigned their classrooms by removing traditional rows of benches and replacing them with U-shaped seating arrangements. The new layout, now being piloted in select schools across Ernakulam, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram, aims to foster equal participation and better eye contact between students and teachers. But the move has sparked mixed reactions from educators, parents, and netizens alike.
The initiative, part of the “Smart Learning Spaces” program launched by Kerala’s Education Department, is inspired by international teaching models where collaboration and visibility matter more than rote learning. Officials say the new format helps break the invisible barrier between “frontbenchers” and “backbenchers,” encouraging every child to be part of the discussion.
“We want to remove the psychological wall that separates active and silent learners,” explained K. Rajeshwari, Director of School Education. “In a U-shaped classroom, every student is visible, every voice counts, and no one sits behind another. It’s symbolic of inclusiveness.”
Photos of the redesigned classrooms went viral this week, showing bright spaces with semi-circular desks and colorful cushions instead of stiff benches. Some even have soft boards and screens at the center, allowing teachers to walk between students while explaining lessons. Teachers say it creates a sense of dialogue rather than lecture.
However, reactions online have been sharply divided. Supporters call the change progressive and child-centric, while critics worry it may reduce discipline and concentration. “It looks like a group discussion setup, not a classroom,” one teacher commented on social media. Others applauded the idea, saying it finally addresses the needs of introverted and slow learners who often fade into the last row.
Educational psychologists largely support the experiment. Dr. Nisha Menon, a child development expert at Kochi’s Rajagiri College, says the U-shape model aligns with research on cooperative learning. “Children learn better when they can see and engage with each other,” she explained. “The U-pattern reduces hierarchy, builds confidence, and improves communication skills.”
She adds that it’s especially beneficial for younger children and for subjects that involve storytelling, discussion, or peer learning. “In a circular setup, even shy students speak up because they feel seen rather than judged,” she said.
Still, not everyone is convinced. Some teachers, especially in higher grades, argue that U-shaped rooms make it difficult to maintain control or handle large class sizes. “In a class of 45 students, movement becomes tricky,” said Ramesh Pillai, a high-school math teacher in Kollam. “Traditional rows help us monitor and supervise better during exams or note-checking.”
Parents, too, are divided. Supportive families see the move as a step toward modern education, while others fear it may affect academic focus. “I love that my child can talk more in class,” said Anjali Varma, a parent from Ernakulam. “But I also hope it doesn’t turn into chaos. Children need structure.”
Kerala’s Education Minister V. Sivankutty addressed these concerns in a recent press statement. He clarified that the shift is not mandatory but experimental. “We are studying the impact on learning outcomes, discipline, and comfort. Schools can adapt the model flexibly. The goal is not to break order, but to rebuild engagement.”
The pilot follows Kerala’s consistent efforts to transform classrooms into interactive and inclusive spaces. The state, known for its literacy rate above 96 percent, has long been at the forefront of educational reforms — from digital classrooms to menstrual awareness programs. The U-shaped model, officials say, is part of the same vision: learning that prioritizes thinking, communication, and equality.
Interestingly, many private and international schools have already been using similar designs for years, particularly for English and social science classes. The difference now is that government schools are embracing the idea at scale, making modern pedagogy accessible to every child, not just those in elite institutions.
Students seem to be among the most enthusiastic supporters. “It feels like we are part of a team,” said Amal, a Class 8 student from Kozhikode. “Earlier, we only saw the backs of our classmates. Now we see everyone’s faces — it makes talking and laughing easier.”
His teacher agrees. “I noticed that my quieter students now participate more,” said Ms. Shailaja, who teaches science at the same school. “Before, the front row answered everything. Now, it’s evenly spread. It’s not just about furniture — it’s about mindset.”
Still, the change raises logistical questions. Some older buildings lack the space for curved desks. Others worry about cost. Each U-shaped setup requires custom furniture and room rearrangement. “We need design flexibility for different room sizes,” said a district education officer. “What works in one school might not work in another.”
Social media debates also reveal a cultural layer to the discussion. Some users celebrated the move as a break from “Victorian classroom traditions,” where students were expected to sit silently in lines. Others joked that it might lead to “group chatting instead of group learning.” Memes comparing U-shaped classrooms to TV talk shows quickly made the rounds, sparking laughter — and reflection.
Education analysts, however, believe that such debates are signs of healthy progress. “Reform always meets resistance,” says Prof. A.K. Joseph, an education policy researcher at the University of Kerala. “We are rethinking not just where children sit, but how they learn. That’s a conversation worth having.”
Pilot schools are now documenting student performance, attention levels, and emotional behavior over a six-month period. The Education Department plans to review the data before expanding the program statewide. Early results suggest improved engagement and reduced absenteeism in lower grades.
For now, Kerala’s classrooms are buzzing with curiosity — both online and offline. Whether U-shaped seating becomes the future of learning or just a passing experiment, it has already succeeded in sparking a deeper question: what does it really mean to face the front of the class — and who gets to sit there?
In the words of one teacher who has embraced the change: “When no one sits at the back, maybe no one gets left behind.”
