Kerala Schools Say Goodbye to Backbenches: Embracing U‑Shaped Seating
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Kerala schools are shaking up classroom dynamics by removing the conventional “backseat” and installing U‑shaped seating arrangements. This setup places the teacher at the center of the room and students along the sides in a semicircle or U‑shape, ensuring every child is visible and feels equally engaged. The goal is to eliminate the psychological divide between “frontbenchers” and “backbenchers,” fostering a more inclusive and interactive learning space.
The change began at Ramavilasom Vocational Higher Secondary School (RVHSS) in Valakom after a scene from the 2024 Malayalam film Sthanarthi Sreekuttan inspired its leadership. In the film, a seventh-grader suggests moving desks to break the divide between bright students and those who feel marginalized at the back. After seeing positive effects in a single class, the school expanded the arrangement to all lower primary grades. Eight more schools in Kerala and even one in Punjab have adopted the new format.
The response has been largely positive: teachers report easier supervision, better eye contact, and improved participation. Students also benefit from being closer to the teacher. However, some commentators on social media have noted the loss of creative freedom and camaraderie once associated with backbenches. Others even mentioned concerns about the ergonomics of twisting to face the center.
Industrialist Anand Mahindra joined the conversation on social media, calling the experiment “intriguing” and noting its potential to promote focused and equitable participation. But he also admitted nostalgia for his own backbench—his favourite spot for daydreaming and doodling.
