As a trainer, it’s easy to focus on the training materials and forget about the room itself. However, the way a training room is arranged can make a surprising difference to how comfortable, engaged, and focused participants are throughout the session.
The training room needs to provide a comfortable and safe environment for participants, as well as an
There are many factors to consider when setting up a training room. Below, we discuss some of the key things to think about before your session begins.
In case you prefer to watch rather than read, you might prefer to watch this video lesson we have put on YouTube.
1. Consider the Seating Arrangements
The image you will see above at the top of this post shows a traditional classroom layout with all of the chairs facing the front of the class, towards where the trainer or teacher will normally be.
In training sessions and workshops, though, there
If you, for example, intentionally want to keep the training as a very formal and non-interactive session, then a traditional lecture hall or classroom layout is the best choice.
If, on the other hand, you plan to make the sessions interactive and want to make a less formal space, then forming the chairs into a semi-circle can be an option.
There are a number of seating arrangement options, and this will be covered in the next article.
Do consider, though, that you will also need to include consideration here for when the participants will be able to view the PowerPoint presentation if you are including one.
Choose the layout that best supports your learning objectives.
2. Classroom Heating and Temperature Control
If the room is too hot, do not be surprised if participants begin to look sleepy, distracted, and even irritated halfway through the training.
With a room that is too cold, you will also find the participants struggling to focus their attention on t
Try to make sure beforehand, if possible, that you know how to manage the heating settings for the room.
3. Window Distractions
For the best training room setup, do not forget that distractions can occur outside of windows, so do consider things such as whether the window might need to be closed or windows covered in some way.
The training room might overlook a walkway where people are constantly walking by while talking, or something else might occur, such as a train going by every so often just outside.
Anything that might take the participants’ attention away from the training and distract them is something you want to try and avoid if you can.
One option also is to set the seating arrangements (provided the seats are movable, of course) such that participants are facing with their backs to the window.
Alternatively, you might want to see if there is a blind or curtain that you can use to block the specific window in question (provided there will still be enough light in the room).
4. Accessibility
Accessibility considerations are essential in classroom layout planning to ensure that all participants, regardless of their physical abilities, can fully participate in the learning process.
By removing physical barriers and implementing inclusive design principles, you can create an environment where every student feels valued and included.
Moreover, for accessible classrooms, consider:
- wheelchair access
- clear aisles
- hearing loops
- accessible seating
5. Sunshine in the Classroom
Sunshine is something most of us crave, and yet sometimes it can be a problem for
Knowing how to close the blinds beforehand will usually suffice.
6. Classroom Power Supply and Points
Make sure beforehand also to identify all of the power outlets in the training room.
You will no doubt be asked by some participants where these power points are.
You may also find that you need them, particularly if you want to play soft music in the background when doing group activities and games (music can add to the atmosphere to relax participants during many activities).
7. Clean and Tidy Training Room
It may seem obvious, but it is important to provide a clean and tidy environment to put participants at ease.
Before the start of the session, or even the day before if possible, check that the room is reasonably clean and that there are no food wrappers or used paper cups left from a previous session, for example.
Likewise, at the end of your training session, make sure that you leave the room tidy and put back any chairs and desks to their original position if you moved them.
8. Breaks and Refreshment
It is important to make sure that participants can have regular breaks, so they can rest and not feel too strained. If participants are allowed breaks, they will concentrate better during the session.
Also, make sure that there are easily accessible refreshments during breaks.
If it takes too long to reach the closest place that sells snacks and drinks, participants will get too distracted and may be late in returning to the training room.
If there is no refreshment place nearby, consider ordering coffee, tea, and cookies delivered to the classroom. This way, participants will always be close and will be able to network with each other during breaks.
If you’re delivering residential training courses, you’ll also need to consider accommodation, meals, and facilities outside the training room.
9. Chairs in the Classroom
At the expense of stating the obvious, ensuring that there are enough chairs to match the number of participants is a surprisingly overlooked problem.
I have been on a number of training sessions myself, and this does happen whereby the start of the training session involves the trainer having to go to other rooms to try and find more chairs.
Do not be the trainer who starts the training off with such an issue of lack of chairs!
10. Signage to the Training Room
One of the most frustrating problems that many participants face when attending training is finding the training room!
Make sure that you provide clear instructions for the participants, i.e., by sending them an email 1 to 2 days before the training.
Try to include parking instructions, building entry information, and ensure that there is clear signage at the decision points leading to the classroom.
Looking for more workplace training delivery tips? Visit our complete Training Delivery Workplace and training design guides and tips.
FAQs
What is the best training room layout?
There isn’t one training room layout that works for every session. The best layout depends on your learning objectives, the number of participants, and how interactive you want the training to be. For example, a classroom layout works well for presentations, while U-shaped or cabaret layouts encourage discussion and group activities.
How should chairs be arranged for training?
Arrange the chairs to support the way participants will learn. If the session, for example, includes discussion or group work, choose a layout that allows people to see and interact with each other easily. Whatever layout you use, make sure everyone has a clear view of the trainer and any presentation screen.
Why is room temperature important during training?
Room temperature has a bigger impact on learning than many trainers realize. When participants are too hot or too cold, they are more likely to become uncomfortable, distracted, and less able to concentrate on the training.
What equipment should every training room have?
Participants are far more likely to stay focused when the room is at a comfortable temperature. If the room is too warm they may become sleepy, while a room that’s too cold can make people uncomfortable and distract them from the training.
