Driven by film on backbencher, Kerala schools reform seating | India News
KOCHI: The great Indian classroom divide between frontbenchers and backbenchers is being bridged in some Kerala schools by introducing a semi-circle seating arrangement that seemingly reduces the degrees of separation between teachers and students.The idea, inspired by the 2024 Malayalam movie ‘Sthanarthi Sreekuttan’, is meant to initiate better interactions and inclusivity, including doing away with the cross of “backbencher” that many students bear for a lifetime.“Before its release, we had shown the movie to state transport minister K B Ganesh Kumar. He was impressed with the idea and implemented it in Ramavilasam Vocational Higher Secondary School (RVGHSS) at Valakom, where he is part of the school management,” said debutant director Vinesh Viswanath.At least eight schools in the state, and one in Punjab, have since altered seating inside classrooms to improve the optics of teacher-student interaction. “We never expected this kind of social impact. We are happy that the movie is being discussed nationally,” Viswanath said.‘Sthanarthi Sreekuttan’ revolves around backbencher Sreekuttan, who challenges a frontbencher in the school elections. The protagonist, during a science fair, proposes semi-circular seating to bridge the student divide. In the movie’s finale, his idea is adopted by the school, marking a shift in teaching patterns.“In a typical classroom, students at the back often feel left out, and teachers unintentionally focus more on those in the front rows. With a semi-circular layout, every student is now part of the core,” said Sunil P Sekhar, principal of RVGHSS. “We have noticed more participation, improved teacher-student interaction, and a sense of equality among students.”Amruth G Kumar, professor at Central University of Kerala’s School of Education, said classroom seating used to be “U-shaped” until education spread. “Schools shifted to a row-like system when the number of enrolments increased in the 19th century,” he said.Teachers in schools that have shifted to semi-circular seating acknowledge that the change has resulted in students showing improved focus and better posture, making learning easier, clutter-free and more engaging.
