Workshop vs. Session — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 25, 2024
Workshop focuses on interactive, hands-on learning, often leading to practical outcomes; sessions are broader, including any meeting or class, focusing on discussion or presentation.
Difference Between Workshop and Session
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Workshops are typically designed to be interactive, emphasizing practical engagement and skills development. Participants often engage in activities that lead to creating something or improving a skill. On the other hand, sessions can vary widely, ranging from lectures, seminars, to informal meetings, and may not necessarily involve active participation.
In a workshop, the structure is usually more dynamic, with facilitators guiding participants through specific tasks or projects. This setup encourages direct involvement and hands-on practice. Whereas in a session, the format might be more passive, centered around listening, discussing, or viewing presentations, with less emphasis on participant output.
Workshops are often used for educational purposes or professional development, aiming to teach new techniques or to brainstorm and solve problems collectively. Conversely, sessions are more flexible and can be used for a variety of purposes, including information dissemination, decision-making, or simply as a platform for dialogue.
The duration of a workshop can vary but is generally extensive enough to allow deep dive into the subject matter, which might last a half-day to several days. Sessions, however, are typically shorter, possibly lasting only an hour or two, making them suitable for more concise topics or updates.
The expected outcome of a workshop is usually tangible, like a new skill learned or a project initiated. In contrast, the goal of a session might be more intangible, such as gained knowledge, shared opinions, or networking opportunities.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Practical engagement, hands-on
Varied, often informational
Participation
High, active involvement
Variable, from passive to active
Typical Duration
Half-day to multiple days
One hour to a few hours
Expected Outcomes
Creation of something tangible
Knowledge gain, discussion
Common Uses
Educational, professional development
Meetings, lectures, discussions
Compare with Definitions
Workshop
A meeting at which a group of people engage in intensive discussion and activity on a particular subject or project.
The team attended a workshop to improve their digital marketing skills.
Session
The sitting together or meeting of a council, legislature, judicial body, etc., for conference or the transaction of business.
The council held a closed session to discuss confidential matters.
Workshop
An educational seminar or series of meetings emphasizing interaction and exchange of information among a usually small number of participants.
She enrolled in a creative writing workshop to refine her storytelling abilities.
Session
A formal meeting or series of meetings of a body such as a court or legislature.
The judge declared that the session would continue through the week.
Workshop
A space or building where goods are manufactured or repaired.
He spends most of his time crafting furniture in his workshop.
Session
A period devoted to a particular activity.
The gym offers a morning session of yoga classes.
Workshop
A session in which a group of people discusses a particular subject or works on a particular project in a way that encourages everyone’s active participation.
The community organized a workshop to discuss local development plans.
Session
A meeting or series of meetings of a court, legislature, or other public body to conduct its business.
Congress was in session for several months to debate the new law.
Workshop
An artist’s or writer’s studio.
The painter invited us to his workshop to show how he creates his art.
Session
A period of time when students are all taught together or when they work together.
The school scheduled an information session for the parents.
Workshop
Beginning with the Industrial Revolution era, a workshop may be a room, rooms or building which provides both the area and tools (or machinery) that may be required for the manufacture or repair of manufactured goods. Workshops were the only places of production until the advent of industrialization and the development of larger factories.
Session
A meeting of an official body, especially a legislature, council, or court of law, to conduct its business
The governor called this week's special session to reconsider the decision
Workshop
A room, area, or small establishment where manual or light industrial work is done.
Session
A period devoted to a particular activity
Gym is followed by a training session
Workshop
An educational seminar or series of meetings emphasizing interaction and exchange of information among a usually small number of participants
A creative writing workshop.
Session
The governing body of a Presbyterian Church.
Workshop
To create or revise (a drama or literary work) based on suggestions or criticism from a group of collaborators.
Session
A meeting of a legislative or judicial body for the purpose of transacting business.
Workshop
A room, especially one which is not particularly large, used for manufacturing or other light industrial work.
Session
A series of such meetings.
Workshop
A brief, intensive course of education for a small group, emphasizing interaction and practical problem solving.
Session
The term or duration of time that is taken by such a series of meetings.
Workshop
An academic conference.
Session
The part of a year or of a day during which a school holds classes.
Workshop
(transitive) To help a playwright revise a draft of (a play) by rehearsing it with actors and critiquing the results.
Session
A period of time devoted to a specific activity
A recording session at a music studio.
A login session that was disrupted by a power outage.
Workshop
(transitive) To work on or revise something, especially collaboratively, in a workshop.
Session
A period devoted to a particular activity, e.g. the annual or semiannual periods of a legislative body (that together comprise the legislative term) whose individual meetings are also called sessions.
A training session
"Are we having a recording session?" / "Yes. We've even got some session musicians to provide some brass."
Workshop
To improve through collaboration.
Session
A meeting of a council, court, school, or legislative body to conduct its business.
This court is now in session.
Workshop
A shop where any manufacture or handiwork is carried on.
Session
(computing) The sequence of interactions between client and server, or between user and system; the period during which a user is logged in or connected.
Logging out or shutting down the computer will end your session.
Workshop
Small workplace where handcrafts or manufacturing are done
Session
(cricket) Any of the three scheduled two hour playing sessions, from the start of play to lunch, from lunch to tea and from tea to the close of play.
Workshop
A brief intensive course for a small group; emphasizes problem solving
Session
(obsolete) The act of sitting, or the state of being seated.
Session
(music) jam session
Session
(education) An academic term
Session
(beer) An extended period of drinking, typically consuming beer with low alcohol content.
Session
(music) To hold or participate in a jam session with other musicians.
Session
The act of sitting, or the state of being seated.
So much his ascension into heaven and his session at the right hand of God do import.
But Viven, gathering somewhat of his mood, . . . Leaped from her session on his lap, and stood.
Session
The actual sitting of a court, council, legislature, etc., or the actual assembly of the members of such a body, for the transaction of business.
It's fit this royal session do proceed.
Session
Hence, also, the time, period, or term during which a court, council, legislature, etc., meets daily for business; or, the space of time between the first meeting and the prorogation or adjournment; thus, a session of Parliaments is opened with a speech from the throne, and closed by prorogation. The session of a judicial court is called a term.
It was resolved that the convocation should meet at the beginning of the next session of Parliament.
Session
A meeting for execution of a group's functions;
It was the opening session of the legislature
Session
The time during which a school holds classes;
They had to shorten the school term
Session
A meeting devoted to a particular activity;
A filming session
A gossip session
Session
A meeting of spiritualists;
The seance was held in the medium's parlor
Common Curiosities
What are common outcomes of attending a session?
Common outcomes include gaining knowledge, networking, and participating in discussions.
What is the primary focus of a workshop?
The primary focus of a workshop is hands-on participation and practical outcomes.
Are workshops suitable for skill development?
Yes, workshops are particularly suitable for practical skill development and hands-on learning.
What types of activities might you find in a session?
Activities in a session can vary widely, including lectures, presentations, discussions, or group activities depending on the session's purpose and setting.
How do the goals of workshops and sessions differ?
The goal of a workshop is typically to produce a tangible outcome or develop specific skills, while the goal of a session can range from knowledge sharing and discussion to decision-making.
How long does a typical session last?
A typical session lasts from one hour to a few hours.
Why might an organization choose to conduct a workshop instead of a session?
An organization might choose a workshop over a session when the objective is to engage participants in practical, interactive learning experiences that require active involvement and result in specific skill acquisition.
Can a workshop be considered a type of session?
Yes, a workshop can be considered a specialized type of session with a focus on active, practical involvement.
What are common settings for holding workshops?
Workshops are commonly held in educational or professional environments, such as schools, conference centers, or corporate training rooms, where hands-on activities can be facilitated.
How do the facilitation styles differ between workshops and sessions?
Facilitation in workshops often involves more direct engagement, guidance, and feedback to ensure participants are actively learning and applying new skills. In sessions, facilitation might focus more on overseeing discussions, presenting information, or managing group dynamics without direct hands-on engagement.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
