Kerala schools adopt new classroom seating style

In a ‘class’ move, some schools in Kerala have decided to abolish ‘backbencher phenomenon’ by introducing U-shaped or semicircle seating arrangements in classrooms, which is expected to bridge the ‘historic divide’ between frontbenchers and backbenchers for years to come.

- AM Abdussalam

The idea, inspired by the 2024 Malayalam movie Sthanarthi Sreekuttan, is meant to ensure better interactions and inclusivity, including doing away with the tag of ‘backbencher’ (meaning students who lag behind in studies) that many students bear for a lifetime. At least eight schools in the state, and one in Punjab, have since altered seating inside classrooms to improve teacher-student interaction. Tamil Nadu government is also reportedly making such a move.