The primary arrangement used for seminar rooms involves outfitting a large, central table with chairs. The effect is a conference-style setting in which students and teacher share a common tabletop. Typically the instructor sits at the head of this table with the blackboard at her back. A derivative of this arrangement is the donut or ring in which desks are placed in a complete circle. These setups are advantageous because they enable all participants to be seen equally; however, they may take up a lot of space, feel cramped and violate safety regulations by blocking routes of egress.
The figure-8 is a modified version of the ring, in which desks are arranged in a pinched loop. This arrangement enables the interaction of two independent groups, while still allowing students to participate in large-group discussion. The primary advantage of the figure-8 setup is that it saves space. Unfortunately, visibility across the room is not high.
The horseshoe, or U-shaped, setup shares the same benefits as the ring arrangement, with the added benefit of creating space for visual aides and lectures. In this setup, desks are placed in a semicircle with the blackboard at the opening. The instructor may take a seat anywhere in the ring or set up a chair at the mouth of the U.
For larger classrooms with a larger roster, a modular arrangement can provide the opportunity for students to participate in small-group collaboration. A grouping of four to six desks may be used in lieu of tables; however, this setup may result in gaps between desks. When using this setup, consciously create space throughout the room. Place tables throughout the room leaving at least 4 feet between each group. This will keep sounds and movement from interfering with group discussions.