Prioritizing Engagement and Movement in the World Language Classroom: An Action Research Study on Deskless Seating in Secondary, Novice-Level Spanish Classes

Abstract

Deskless seating is a seating trend that has grown in popularity in recent years, particularly among world language educators of students of all ages. In deskless seating, the desks in the classroom are removed and the students sit in chairs in the center of the room. While educators in this field are finding success with this seating option, little to no research has been collected on this topic. The purpose of this action research study was: 1) to determine what effects deskless seating had on student behavior and engagement and 2) investigate student opinions of deskless seating. The participants in this study were 7th and 8th grade students in a novice-level Spanish class. Through field notes, student surveys, and student interviews, the researcher found deskless seating increased student engagement and slightly improved student behavior. Students gave mixed opinions on deskless seating, with the positive elements they liked outweighing the aspects they did not enjoy.

Keywords: Deskless seating, flexible seating, traditional seating, engagement, student perceptions, secondary, novice level language learners