A horseshoe layout is a way of organizing learners' seats in a class in the form of a horseshoe.

Young learners standing up in class

This can be compared with a classroom layout with individual or grouped desks.

Example
The teacher needs to use the board a lot in a class so arranges the seats in a horseshoe shape.

In the classroom
A horseshoe shape is a very effective way to organize the classroom, as it means the learners can see each other, the teacher and the board. Thus it is useful for whole-group work such as an open discussion or for a teacher-centred class.

Further links:

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/classroom-layout

Research and insight

Browse fascinating case studies, research papers, publications and books by researchers and ELT experts from around the world.

See our publications, research and insight