Creating Inspiring Workshops and Courses in Transdisciplinarity: A Guide - Manual / Resource - Page 20
Setting and logistics
What is the setting for the training? What do you need to set up, and how do you
want to structure the space for an effective training?
As workshop designers, you will need to make decisions about how individuals in the room will relate to one another and to you
as the trainer. This will always be aided – or constrained – by the physical location and logistical givens of the training space.
Consider how in traditional classrooms or lecture halls the chairs are set up in rows, usually with a writing surface in front of
each individual. The room is arranged so that all of the focus is on the front of the room and the teaching is delivered by “the
person upfront.” What impact does such a setting have on the dynamics between the trainees and the trainer, and on that among
trainees?
In contrast, how would a space ideally be set up for the learning
to emerge organically and equitably from multiple perspectives,
or from discovering insights together with others?
It is highly preferable to arrange room chairs in a circle or
u-shape so that everyone can see and hear one another,
allowing power to be held by everyone, not just one individual
upfront. It is also useful if there are groups of tables, so
participants can easily move to small-group work. If the
room has fixed seating arrangements, consider looking for an
alternative space or getting creative! Many activities will work
well by moving to an outside space or by having the participants
stand and mingle. Another option for fixed seating is to have
rows of participants turn around and work with the row behind
them.
Here are several guiding questions that will help you make space
and setup-related decisions, and help with your planning:
p. 15
Basics of training design
Setting and logistics
