Setting the Learning Environment

Interesting chapter that deals with stimulating the senses. The author states that what learners not only see, hear and feel but also smell and taste, assists in setting the tone for a learning environment. She uses the analogy of how one prepares their home when company is coming. As hosts/hostesses we want the environment warm, inviting and engaging. She suggests using round tables so participants can see one another, "setting" the tables so that markers, highlighters, post-its are available, setting out name tags and welcome signs. Some new ideas for me are having music on to create a more inviting atmosphere and a colorfully decorated table for the instructor/speaker. She suggests instructors should be available to greet each participant as they arrive. I lead a training session for new hires and I get the point behind these suggestions. I probably wouldn't do all that she suggests but the concept of creating an inviting, stimulating environment for an initial training session is a good one. Not only are we teaching our new staff, we are also setting the tone for what the company is about and modeling how we conduct business. Especially because we work in a residential community I think it would be beneficial to use some of these touches in our trainings.