Chennai: In a move aimed at enhancing classroom interaction and inclusivity, the Tamil Nadu Directorate of School Education has directed schools across the state to adopt a "Pa"-shaped seating arrangement, breaking away from the traditional row-based setup.

The new seating format, influenced by a Malayalam film directed by Vinesh Viswanath, promotes the idea that “every student is a front-bencher.”

The film, which advocates a semi-circular seating layout with the teacher positioned centrally, has already inspired similar practices in schools across Kerala, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir.

According to officials, the conventional arrangement of placing academically strong students at the front and weaker ones at the back has created invisible hierarchies among students.

The new format is intended to dismantle these divisions and foster a more collaborative learning environment.

“This arrangement allows all students to be equally visible to the teacher and to each other. It not only improves student participation and attentiveness but also encourages peer learning and better communication,” said a senior education department official.

Chief Educational Officers have been instructed to ensure that headmasters implement the new layout according to classroom dimensions and student strength. The directive states that seating in a "Pa"-shaped or semi-circular format will support a discussion-based classroom environment, where every student's voice can be heard.

Officials believe the change will mark a significant step in reimagining the physical dynamics of classrooms to reflect a more inclusive, engaging, and student-centric pedagogy.