You might look at some of the new tiered classroom designs that have two rows per tier. Both rows have rectangular tables with roller chairs. To do group work, the front row just swivels their chairs around and works at the table for the second row. Vance -----Original Message----- From: Team Learning Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Larry Michaelsen Sent: Friday, November 17, 2006 10:27 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Ideal TBL education space and equipment Dear Mary Jane, In my mind, there are two key considerations. One is the ability of each of the teams to literally "get their heads together." The other is the ability to communicate team-to-team during the class discussions. Generally speaking, even in tiered classrooms with fixed desks/tables, I like individual seats on rollers to maximize the ease of face-to-face discussions within the teams. (Note: I've seen several excellent designs of varying sizes. As far as the overall shape of the room is concerned, I look for a room that is approximately square so that distance between the teams is as small as possible to facilitate discussion between teams. Thus, I think the ideal overall configuration for larger classes is a tiered (so teams can be eye-to-eye), U-shaped configuration of TEAMs (with individual seats on rollers) in a relatively square room. Larry -- Larry K. Michaelsen Professor of Management University of Central Missouri Dockery 400G Warrensburg, MO 64093 660/543-4124 voice 660/543-8465 fax >>> "Freund, Mary Jane" <[log in to unmask]> 11/16/06 3:56 PM >>> Good Afternoon, Here at Indiana University School of Medicine, use of TBL is expanding. As we continue to expand the use of TBL throughout the four year curriculum, we are wondering what classroom configurations (facilities- chairs, tables, etc) serve as "best practice" for TBL. In researching TBL resources hoping to find this sort of information (and not finding much specific info), I am turning to you for your thoughts. If you could design a space dedicated to TBL, what are specific physical elements that you believe would enhance/foster the TBL experience? I'll gladly collate responses, and send them to the group! I appreciate your creative assistance! MJ Mary Jane Freund Educational CQI Manager Medical Education & Curricular Affairs Indiana University School of Medicine 714 Senate Avenue, E- F 200 Indianapolis, IN 46202- 3297 Phone: 317.278.1428 Fax: 317.278.8165 Email: [log in to unmask] "How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." Frank, Anne <http://www.learningtogive.org/search/quotes/Display_Quotes.asp?author_i d=228&search_type=author> German- Jewish Teenager (1929- 1945)