Instruction may take place in whole-group, small-group, and individualized settings. The teacher is responsible for varying these three groupings according to the needs of the students and the objectives of the lesson.
Classroom seating arrangements include traditional, rectangular, circular, horseshoe, and various special formations designed for special activities.
Large-group or whole-group instruction is the most common form of classroom organization, suitable for the teacher when lecturing and explaining, questioning, and providing practice and drill.
Whole-group instruction tends to be geared to the average learner, and the students are expected to perform within a narrow range. Most classroom tasks performed by students are either too easy or too difficult.
Small groups give the teacher flexibility in instruction and an opportunity to introduce skills and tasks at the level suited to a particular group of students.
There are several methods for organizing students in small groups. Small-group activities are best conducted when group size is limited to five to eight students per group.
Individualized instruction permits the student to work alone at his or her own pace and level over short or long periods of time. Individualized instruction permits the teacher to adapt instruction to the abilities, needs, and interests of the learner.
Personalized learning is focused on the student and his or her learning needs.
