Reducing Student Distraction Through Fuzzy Logic Based Seating Arrangements

TL;DR

This paper introduces 'CUB', a fuzzy logic-based software that efficiently generates classroom seating arrangements aimed at reducing student distraction, demonstrating its effectiveness through comparison with existing arrangements.

Contribution

The study presents a novel fuzzy logic-based software tool for creating classroom seating plans that minimize distraction, improving efficiency over traditional methods.

Findings

CUB successfully generates seating arrangements with low similarity to existing plans.

Fuzzy logic approaches can be effective for various classroom seating styles.

The method reduces time needed for seating arrangement development.

Abstract

A crucial skill for primary school teachers is maintaining efficient classroom management. Teachers use classroom seating arrangements to help maintain this efficiency. However, developing classroom seating arrangements is both time-consuming and often non-optimal for distraction mitigation. Fuzzy logic-based approaches for the development of classroom seating arrangements can reduce development time and minimize classroom distraction. In this study, an original fuzzy logic-based software package named "CUB" is introduced and applied to a modern classroom using "cluster" seating arrangements. The combination of fuzzy inference systems, fuzzy c-means clustering, sequential, and iterative processes produce ready-to-use seating arrangements for the classroom in this study. The seating arrangements are compared with an existing set of seating arrangements to validate the results. The author's findings show that CUB is successful in generating applicable seating arrangements with a small liklihood of replicating arrangements. The findings also suggest that fuzz logic-based approaches may be successful in other styles of classroom arrangement.