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196 The Creative Training Idea Book

FIGURE 5-16. Circular style seating (without tables)—with and without flip chart)

Maximum no. of participants
Limited by room size and planned discussion, however, when more than 18–20 learners
are present, communication could be affected.

Advantages
The trainer has close contact with all participants (from a seat within the group) and
learners can see and interact with others. To achieve this relationship, the trainer
should assume any seat within the group to be on equal status with participants
and encourage discussion.
This configuration also provides an informal forum for discussion and idea exchange.
Access for participants with disabilities is easily possible.

As an alternative, a few chairs can be eliminated so that the facilitator can assume a dif-
ferent position in which a flip chart can be used to capture comments or ideas.

Disadvantages
Attendance is limited to approximately 18–20 learners, as larger groups can limit open
exchange of ideas and discussion.
Participants have no writing surfaces.

Variations
Crescent Style Seating (without Tables) (Figure 5-17)

This arrangement offers many of the advantages of circular style seating while creating
a central trainer position. The crescent configuration is also a little more formal than
the circular style, yet less so than with the use of tables. Audiovisual aids can also be
used. There is no writing surface for participants.