If you are charged with training members of your organization - whether you hold a one-time training session on a new program or you hold a full-time job as a corporate trainer - there are several critical elements that can impact the effectiveness of your training session. One of these elements is so simple it is often overlooked: the setting. Considering the setting of a training session is critical to ensuring that you meet your learning objectives Training Environment Software.

In truth, there are myriad things a trainer must consider to maximize the value of the training experience-the organizational culture and policies, e.g. But it is imperative to consider the physical environment in which the training will be conducted because the set-up of the Training Environment Software sets the tone for the rest of the training experience. Giving thoughtful consideration to the setting of your training is called conducting an environmental analysis.

Room Setup

The physical setup of the room plays a major role in the productivity of your training session. When considering how to set up your room, consider your learning goals and methods. If it is important that your participants interact with one another, you should set up the room so that it is easy for them to interact and they feel more comfortable doing so. In this case, a traditional classroom setup, with the instructor at the front of the room and the participants all facing front, is likely not ideal. You may want to consider putting participants at round or u-shaped tables to encourage social interaction. This helps form a sense of belonging among participants and is less intimidating to them, which could be beneficial if the material you are covering is new or complex.

There are many other factors to consider when thinking about room setup: lighting, temperature, availability of/proximity to restrooms and beverages, comfort of chairs and tables, distractions, sound/noise. Technology is another important item to consider; for example, techsoup.org cautions that technology in a training facility can differ from what you may be used to. As a trainer, consider it your responsibility to arrive early to your training destination to become familiar with all these items and take the initiative to change what you can if you feel it is not conducive to the best learning environment. You may be surprised by how easily participants are distracted by a room that is too cold, or by people walking in front of you every time they get water, and these things can have a negative impact on their learning experience. Bottom line: do what you can to ensure the room is comfortable, everything works the way it should, and the energy among participants is maximized.