The Impact of Classroom Seating Arrangements on the Performance of STEM

Students Learning at Assumption Academy of Monkayo, Inc.: A Quantitative

Study"

An Experimental Research Design

A Researched Paper Presented to the Faculty of the

Assumption Academy of Monkayo, Inc.

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in the Subject of

Practical Research 2

Name of Researchers

Alih, Nur-iman S.
Cuntapay, Nikko Jay D.
Fernandez, John Carl F.
Macasero, Ashlee M.
Ricarte, Heizl Vince A.
Rubante, Maxx Sheen A.
Opalla, Rayver Jay G.
Silagan, Selwyn Oscar M.
To-ong, Dhave Ivan A.

December 2024
 CHAPTER 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Background of the study

According to a study conducted in Southern District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,

Pakistan. Where it stated that performance is greatly impacted by how they are seated I

the classroom. The study has provided perceptions into the impact of classroom seating

arrangements on students’ academic achievements. Both The results and discussion

revealed a significant impact of classroom seating arrangements on students’ academic

achievement at secondary school level. This positive impact not only contribute to the

existing teaching learning environment but also convey practical implications for school

administrations that suggest thoughtful considerations of seating arrangements can be

a tactical involvement to improve the overall learning experiences and students’

achievement.

Based on the study conducted by Bayog et al. (2024) at Sullah, South Cotabato,

the findings of the study revealed that the results for Group 1 aligned with the initial

assumption, indicating that being far from the teacher-led to a decrease in participation.

However, the results for Group 2 contradicted the assumption, suggesting that

additional factors were at play. Interestingly, before the seating rearrangement, Group 1

had a higher participation score. Following the seating rearrangement, Group 2 scored

higher in participation than Group 1. Although there was no significant evidence

supporting this observation, it appears that students seated near the teacher tended to

score higher in participation, indicating a noteworthy trend despite the lack of statistical

significance.

According to Quasi-experimental study conducted in Davao City, Philippines by

Ezekiel (2019) to investigate the differential effects of seating arrangements and

sociometric relationship on student’s attitude towards math. Two instruments were used

in this research: (1) Likert scale that measures the students’ attitude towards math was

administered as a pretest and posttest; (2) Sociometry that measures relationships of

students in a classroom was administered only as a pretest that would be the basis for

the seating arrangement plan. Data collected were analyzed using the Statistical

Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to establish cause and effect relationships

between the students’ attitude towards math of a mere traditional seating arrangement,

sociometric-based traditional seating arrangement, and sociometric-based horseshoe

seating arrangement. Each of the statistical tests required to investigate the three

research questions and alpha confidence of 0.05 was established.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to investigate how classroom seating arrangements affect

the participation and engagement of STEM students at Assumption Academy of

Monkayo, Inc. By analyzing the relationship between seating layouts and student

involvement, this research aims to provide insights for educators to optimize classroom

designs that foster collaboration, enhance interaction, and improve academic

performance among STEM learners.".

Research Question

1. How do different classroom seating arrangements affect the participation

levels of junior high school STEM students at Assumption Academy of

Monkayo, Inc.?

2. What is the relationship between classroom seating configurations and the

academic engagement of STEM students in junior high school at Assumption

Academy of Monkayo, Inc.?

3. Which specific classroom seating arrangements foster the highest level of

collaboration and interaction among STEM students at Assumption Academy

of Monkayo, Inc.?
Theoretical Framework

This study utilizes the proximity control theory of Hall (1960). This theory focus

on the way people perceive and use personal space in various cultural and social

contexts. Proxemics explores how distance between individuals affects communication

and interaction, highlighting cultural variations in personal space preferences. In this

study, the theory was used to aid the researchers to know how does distance, in this

case the seating arrangement of students affect their academic performance and the

stem students engagement.

Scope and Limitation

Significance of the study

This study is significant to the following:

Students. This study will contribute to creating a more effective and engaging

learning environment for STEM students. By identifying the most beneficial seating

arrangements, students can experience improved participation, collaboration, and

academic performance, ultimately enhancing their overall learning experience.

Teachers. The findings will assist teachers in adopting more effective

instructional strategies. Understanding how seating arrangements affect student

engagement can help educators better organize their classrooms to promote

interaction, participation, and focus, making their teaching more efficient and responsive

to students’ needs.

School Administration. School administrators, this study will provide valuable

data to support informed decision-making regarding classroom layouts and resource

allocation. by optimizing classroom environments based on evidence, administrators

can foster a more conducive learning atmosphere for students, contributing to the

school’s overall academic success.

 Policy-Makers in Education. The results of this study may serve as a foundation

for advocating reforms in educational policies related to classroom design and

management. The insights gathered could influence guidelines or standards aimed at

creating more dynamic, student-centered learning environments, especially for STEM

education. Future

Researchers. This study can serve as a stepping stone for future researchers

interested in exploring other factors that influence student engagement and academic

performance. Future studies could build on this work by examining aspects such as

teacher-student dynamics, classroom technology use, or different teaching methods

and their impact on student outcomes

Definition of Terms