There is a myth that it doesn’t really matter what a training room is like or how participants are treated, because people will learn what they need to learn. I disagree. I believe that we need to treat participants with respect. This means that we make sincere efforts to address both their physical and emotional needs with courtesy and care. As a result they are much more likely to learn or to retain what they learned. The reason for this is very simple. If they don’t feel that anyone cares about them, why should they care?
I think that a learning environment becomes “comfortable”when the trainer, through both word and deed, shows the participants that they are important.
This Tip focuses on how to create a physically comfortable learning environment, despite real constraints. Remember, the mind can only absorb as much as the butt can endure!
Next week’s Tip will focus on how to create an emotionally comfortable learning environment.
It would be lovely if all training rooms had :
- comfortable chairs,
- large tables with plenty of space for training materials,
- lots of windows,
- art work or nicely colored walls,
- good lighting,
- great ventilation,
- effective heating and air conditioning,
- unobstructed views of audiovisuals, and
- easy access to restrooms and water fountains.
However, for many trainers this training room ideal is only a dream.
The reality is that many training rooms have:
- less than comfortable chairs,
- tables that are either too small or too large and unwieldy,
- no windows,
- drab and/or colorless walls,
- poor lighting,
- little if any ventilation,
- ineffective heating and air conditioning,
- views obstructed by columns, and
- restrooms and water fountains only within jogging distance.
Create a Physically Comfortable Learning Environment
Trainers may have little control over many aspects of the training environment. However, they have a great deal of control over the physical learning environment by the choices they make:
Chairs are uncomfortable
- If the chairs are uncomfortable, the trainer can give frequent breaks and incorporate learning activities that enable the participants to get up and move around.
Tables are too small or too large
- If the tables are too small, the trainer can put two or more tables together to give participants more space. If the tables are too large and unwieldy, the trainer can angle them toward the front of the room. Then they can ensure that chairs are placed in a manner that maximizes group interaction and audiovisual visibility.
No windows
- If there are no windows, the trainer can place colorful kites or peripherals on the walls to add color and interest.
Poor lighting
- If the lighting is poor, the trainer can take care not to dim the lights for audiovisuals, or to turn them on immediately afterward.
Inadequate ventilation, heating or air conditioning
- If the ventilation, heating and/or air conditioning is less than adequate, the trainer can request fans or keep the doors open to increase air movement. If it gets too hot (or cold) in the room, the trainer can give additional breaks. Or they can move the group outside the training room to a cooler (or warmer) location for some activities.
Obstructed views
- If views are obstructed by columns, the trainer can place tables and chairs in front or or to the side of the obstruction in order to ensure adequate visibility. If this isn’t possible, the trainer can make sure to place movable audiovisual equipment (such as flip charts) in more visible locations. Then stand where they have eye contact with each participant.
Distant restrooms or fountains
- If restrooms and water fountains are a distance away, the trainer can give ample and adequate break times. They can also encourage participants to bring beverages into the training room if water pitchers and glasses are not provided in the room.
Through courteous and caring responsiveness, the trainer makes it clear that the participants’ physical comfort matters. These actions also let the participants know that they matter to the trainer.
If your trainers would benefit from learning classroom management, please book a call to discuss a tailored train the trainer program. https://laurelandassociates.com/contact/
