Taking a cue from a new initiative in Kerala, inspired by the film Sthanarthi Sreekuttan, the Tamil Nadu government on Saturday directed all middle schools in the State to change seating arrangement from traditional row-based seating in class to pa (U)-shape.

Sources in the department, however, said the new seating arrangement would be implemented after discussions regarding a few tweaks to the circular next week. The State School Education Department has already been implementing a circular seating alignment in primary classrooms. According to the circular, the seating arrangement aims to enhance visibility, accessibility, monitoring, and comfort.

Based on the direction of School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, the department plans to implement the seating arrangement for middle schools as a pilot programme this year. “Given our increased strength in higher secondary classes, the decision has been taken to implement the seating arrangement in middle school classrooms,” an official said.

The new alignment will give teachers mobility to interact with every student while every student will have a clear view of the teacher, blackboard, and others. The circular also said this arrangement would promote discussion, peer learning, and support collaboration.

Parents and teachers welcomed the move. However, they raised concern over space availability in classrooms to accommodate the new seating arrangement. P. Patrick Raymond, general secretary, Tamil Nadu Graduate Teachers’ Federation, said in classes where the strength exceeds 25, guidance would be required on how to implement the seating.

“It’s a good initiative, as this type of seating arrangement ensures everybody’s participation in class and enhances inclusivity. But there remains the question on whether a classroom of over 40 students can accommodate the U-shaped seating,” said Thenkanal Isaimozhi, State co-ordinator, Palli Kalvi Paathukapu Iyakkam.