Evaluating design enhancements to the tablet-arm chair in language instruction classes

Abstract

Higher education institutions are increasingly interested in cost-effective classroom furniture solutions that support diverse teaching methods by facilitating movement between lecture and interactive instructional methods such as small group work. Several furniture manufacturers are exploring designs based on the traditional tablet-arm chair. A study at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill piloted one such product in a classroom being used by language instructors. Student and faculty attitudes about the chair were generally positive, although other constraints to adoption merit further exploration.