Kerala’s U-Shaped Classrooms Raise Health Concerns: Experts Warn of Postural Risks

Schools in Kerala, inspired by the climax scene in the Malayalam film Sthanarthi Sreekuttan, have introduced U-shaped seating arrangements in classrooms to promote inclusivity, visibility, and ensure no student is left behind.

While the move has sparked national buzz and earned headlines like “No More Backbenchers,” with other states also planning to adopt the idea, healthcare professionals have voiced caution, highlighting potential downsides of this semi-circular layout.

From spine surgeons to physiotherapists, many have raised concerns about potential ergonomic risks, while psychologists have pointed out the psychological effects of putting students under constant visibility and attention.

We May Turn Backbenchers Into Neck Benders

The main idea behind the U-shaped seating is to improve visibility by placing the teacher at the center stage. However, most classrooms still rely on a single blackboard placed at the front, creating a mismatch between the layout and teaching tools.

Talking to The Times of India, Dr. Naveen Tahasildar, said:

Experts have flagged four key risks associated with the new seating arrangement:

• Neck strain from constant turning: Students seated at the extreme curves of the ‘U’ must keep turning their heads toward the blackboard, spending hours with their necks at unnatural angles. This puts stress on the sternocleidomastoid muscle, causing tightness and soreness.

• Eye strain from constant sideways gaze: Constant sideways gaze may strain the ocular muscles and worsen pre-existing vision issues.

• Postural stress from twisted writing: Students may need to twist or overreach while writing, increasing the risk of posture-related problems like scoliosis.

• Fatigue from static seating: The fixed nature of the layout discourages movement, limiting dynamic posture shifts and contributing to stiffness and fatigue.

Experts also argue that the human cervical spine is not built for prolonged lateral rotation. For children aged 6 to 16 years, a time when their skeletal system is still developing, holding a twisted neck position for extended periods can result in cervical strain, muscle spasms, poor posture, and, in extreme cases, early disc degeneration.

Teachers Under Strain Too

This new arrangement does not just affect students. Teachers also face added challenges. It requires constant dynamic movement, switching focus between students and blackboards, leading to voice strain, loss of classroom control, and postural fatigue.

Mental Health Concerns

While the seating style aims to reduce isolation and boost participation, it may unintentionally put students under pressure to constantly perform. Psychologists have warned that this heightened visibility could lead to performance anxiety, stress, and reduced concentration in some students.

Making the U-Shape Work: Expert Recommendations

Healthcare professionals believe that the layout can be made more effective with a few simple modifications:

• Seat rotation: Rotating students every period to prevent long durations in the same position.

• Shorter lessons: Keeping lectures to 15–20 minutes to reduce prolonged strain.

• Stretch breaks: Introducing neck and shoulder stretches every 40 minutes to maintain mobility.

• Ergonomic furniture: Adjustable chairs with lumbar support can help prevent posture issues.

• Multiple boards: Adding 2–3 blackboards or digital screens across the classroom to ensure every student has clear visibility.

• Collecting feedback: Schools should involve students, teachers, and physiotherapists in the process and adapt layouts based on feedback and needs.

Above all, experts say the focus should be on flexibility and balance, rather than becoming rigidly attached to one arrangement.

Innovation Needs Careful Consideration

Despite concerns, many educators and parents continue to support this new approach. Whether it proves effective in the long run remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the well-being of both students and teachers must remain the top priority when reimagining classroom spaces.

(Rh/Pooja Bansal/MSM/SE)