3/3's 'Make-over'

I heeded Mdm Chng's advice to rearrange some pupils' seats (Louie and friends' seats). At first, I arranged for them but there was so much resentment (bitter anger) among the pupils, even the Chinese girls. I asked Guan Zhou to put his table in a straight row and he simply refused to budge (move very slightly). I lost my patience and pulled his table apart from the rest violently, with all his worksheets and books scattered onto the floor. Of course, he was very "buay song".

Then, it dawned (emerged) on me that they would forever be not happy with my arrangement. I was really frustrated and rather clueless what to do! (I am really tired of changing pupils' seating arrangement and in the end, gradually observing them reverting to the original plan they like, "inch by inch".) Then, suddenly, I felt that it's time for my pupils to take ownership of the class, however mischievous some of the boys are. I just laid down two conditions before I gave them the remaining 15 minutes to discuss the seating arrangement among themselves: it must help them to be able to focus more during lessons and it must be fair to every body. Then, I was so depressed and pissed off as I walked out of the classroom.

Back in the staffroom, I simply had no mood to do anything. I just lied on my table and reflected on my teaching ability. Of course, I also turned to God for help.

Around 1.30pm, I waited outside 3/3 classroom for the last lesson to end. Now, all my pupils are now gathered to the front. They rather squeeze to the front with their friends, leaving a large empty space behind the classroom. Louie and friends sat in one row near the window, facing the whole class. Initially, I was not very happy that some boys whom I wanted to separate still sit in pairs or threes. But for a moment, I thought the class looks so much closer together instead of the usual distinct five groups and I thought to myself, "Not bad."


I asked the class to give ten reasons to convince me to adopt their preferred seating arrangement. They could! In fact, they came out with ten over reasons, excluding a few lame ones, of course, such as 'can throw litter over the window'. :< Well, I feel relieved that most of them commented that they now could see and concentrate better. Some teachers also gave similar positive comments.

This is the first time I learn not to be so dictatorial (authoritative; loves to command) in the class and to give my pupils some freedom and independence in shaping their own classroom environment. 3/3, I hope that you will be more attentive during lessons after this change in seating arrangement because if not, you are going to bear the consequences of your joint decision.