Page 198 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

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Creating a Stimulating Learning Environment 187
Can promote a more passive “I talk; you listen” mentality among participants.
Can create a challenge for people with physical disabilities unless accommodations are
planned.

Variations
“V”, Fishbone, or Chevron Style Seating (with Tables) (Figure 5-2)

Variations of classroom style seating are named based on the resemblance to the letter
V, the bones of a fish, and the shape of military chevrons. Advantages and disadvantages
are basically the same as for the classroom style seating. Offsetting even numbered rows
of tables can aid the view that participants have of the front of the room by allowing
learners to look between the two people in front of them. By using only one row of
tables, the effectiveness can be upgraded to a moderate participant involvement level;
however, the maximum number of participants is decreased to 16–18. Although adding
chairs in front of tables in the “V” can increase those numbers, some participants lose
their writing surface when they have to turn in their seats to view the trainer. Round or
rectangular tables can be used.
Perpendicular Style Seating (with Tables) (Figure 5-3)

This variation to the classroom style seating provides face-to-face contact between par-
ticipants and access into the group by the trainer. Additional chairs can be inserted on
the insides of tables to increase the number of participants and to facilitate networking
and small group interaction.
Round or rectangular tables can be used.

Reduced Learner Involvement Configurations (without Tables)

Theater Style Seating (without Tables) (FIgure 5-4)

Setup
Align rows of chairs, spaced 2 inches apart, approximately 6–8 feet away from the trainer
or speaker. Also, stagger rows so that every other row is offset to allow a line of sight be-
tween the two chairs directly in front of each person.

Maximum no. of participants
Unlimited, depending on program content, audience makeup, program objectives, room
size, shape, availability of sound system, and audiovisual support.

Advantages
Increases audience size potential.
Relatively easy to set up.
Good for information sharing in lecture format (sometimes called information dump).
Allows easy viewing of visual aids (e.g., projected visuals or videos).