Action Zone: Center of the circle.

Group Involvement: High. Aims to involve all participants in group interaction.

Seating: Chairs arranged in complete circle.

Tables: None in this configuration.

Space per person: 10 square feet.

Maximum # of people: No more than 20 participants.

Accommodates AV: No. Not conducive for AV presentations, used primarily for group discussions. Cannot place a visual aid in an area that can be viewed by everyone.

Advantages: Involves everyone in the group. There is no table in the middle, therefore people are unobstructed and can speak directly to each other. Creates equality among the group, with no designated “leader” position.

Disadvantages: Some people feel uncomfortable or exposed in this type of arrangement. Can only handle small groups of people. Not conducive to visual aids or AV presentations.

Variations:

Circle and Table - Combines informal, open characteristics of a circle, yet gives trainees a table for books and note taking. The table may also remove the sense of vulnerability.

Broken Circle - Possesses all of the advantages of the circle but allows visual aids to be used effectively. Also identifies a leader position to pressure involvement of participants if needed.