Malappuram: If you ask students at Elankoor GUPS about the Education Minister’s proposal to eliminate the concept of the backbench, they’ll respond with a question of their own: “But what’s a backbench?” That’s because this school, located in Thrikkalangode panchayat, hasn’t had backbenches for years.

The debate gained momentum after Education Minister V Sivankutty announced that an expert committee would explore alternative classroom seating models to replace traditional backbenching. The aim is to ensure that no student falls behind in class or in life. Among the most widely suggested models is the single-arch seating arrangement.

Elankoor GUPS, with 508 students across its Lower and Upper Primary sections, has already been using this arch seating format for several years. Students are introduced to this style of seating from Class 1 onwards.

The idea was first proposed at a cluster meeting and adopted soon after—not as part of any special project, but simply because it suited the school’s setup. As a result, even the teachers aren’t exactly sure when the system was first implemented. In fact, many students at Elankoor are unaware of what a backbench even means. Those who transferred from other schools also express a clear preference for the arch-style layout.

Due to fewer students in the LP section, the school found this seating model practical. Teachers say the system works best in classrooms with fewer than 30 students, as it depends on space and board placement. Only six desks can be arranged in a single arch, accommodating about five students each. In larger classrooms, students are seated in two arched rows.

Numerous benefits
The greatest advantage of this model is that all students receive equal attention from the teacher. There’s less scope for mischief, and no complaints about board visibility. Teachers can engage the entire class more effectively.

Challenges
The main challenge lies in implementing this system in larger classrooms. When student numbers are high or when the board isn’t centrally placed, children may need to strain their necks to see the board. Space limitations also hinder effective arrangement.

“The biggest advantage is that all students can be given equal attention. Students arranged in this manner are less likely to create a nuisance. They’re also happier,” says V Mariyamma, Headmistress, Elankoor GUPS. “We’ve been following this system for years. It wasn’t introduced after much deliberation, but was simply done to help teachers focus better on their students,” said K Jamsheer, a teacher at the school.