Creating the Ideal Learning Environment - Physical

Have you ever wondered what it is that creates				Although you might get away with squishing
an ideal learning environment?				people together for short periods of time, limited
We have brainstormed and discussed this topic				space can soon have perfectly functional adults
with a number of different groups of participants				acting like caged rats. It can be very agitating to
in the Capacity Train the Trainer workshops.				have to clamour over other learners or their
From those discussions we've identified some of				"stuff" to get into one's chair. Small group
the things you as the trainer might do to set the				activities seem to function best when each group
tone. We have arranged the key points into five				has ample space in which to operate.
categories: Physical Environment, Communication,				8. Make safety a priority.
Training Aids, Encouragement and Classroom				Depending on the type of training you are
Management.				providing this can include a broad range of
In this article we're focusing on the Physical				concerns, including:
Environment. What can you do as a facilitator so				- Being aware of and respecting individual's
that participants have the best physical				personal space.
environment?				- Ensuring adequate lighting in the classroom and
1. Ensure the air quality is healthy.				related areas.
This means having adequate ventilation and				- Securing electrical cords to the floor with tape.
designating an area outside the classroom for				- At night, making sure everyone is aware of any
smoking. It also means adhering to WHMIS				parking lot concerns and perhaps encouraging a
guidelines and requirements when working with				buddy system if there are any potential threats.
equipment such as chainsaws.				- Ensuring that all participants wear proper safety
2. Schedule an appropriate number of breaks and				gear for the activities.
be willing to adapt to the learners' needs.				- When conducting activities in the forest, knowing
Determine if any of the learners in your group				the wildlife you may encounter and planning how
have physical challenges that limit the amount of				to deal with them ahead of time.
time they can sit or stand and factor this into				- Being aware of and adhering to regulations and
your activities. It is also effective to design and				practices pertaining to food safety.
use activities that incorporate movement, variety				- Being clear on your policy with regard to
and changes of pace.				substance abuse.
3. Ensure that learners are comfortable.				- Having effective communications equipment for
Observe body language and don't hesitate to ask				field activities.
participants if you are unsure whether they are				- Using safe transportation to and from field sites
comfortable. Putting on a coat or repositioning				and ensuring the drivers are qualified to carry
chairs can both indicate unease. Hard seats,				passengers and that their licenses are valid.
crowded tables or a pace that is too slow or too				- Wearing proper dress and gear for different
fast can all have a negative effect on learning.				seasons and weather conditions.
4. Provide healthy foods that energize learners.				- Having the required first aid, fire and safety
Be aware of the effect of different foods on the				equipment on-site.
metabolism and consider this when planning your				- Being aware of and adhering to any safety
sessions. A heavy lunch may be appropriate if				regulations and practices with regard to any
your learners will be doing hard physical work				heavy equipment such as tractors or helicopters.
afterward. The same lunch might create a serious				9. Limit or eliminate outside distractions.
lull in the energy flow if participants will be involved				It may be effective to close the classroom door
in less vigorous activities following the lunch. A				or windows if there are distracting noises or
variety of snacks and beverages give participants				activities outside the classroom. In one community
the ability to eat and drink as they feel the need.				our classroom was situated so close to the
5. Ensure the room has effective lighting.				railway track I swear the water would vibrate
Ideally, the area will offer lots of natural light as				right out of your glass each time a train passed
well as the ability to control the amount of light				by. We were able to work around this distraction
for different purposes. You may want to turn the				by either calling a break or assigning a brief
lights down to view a video or turn them up for				individual activity during the entertaining interlude.
livelier activities. In our experience, most locations				10. Allow for quiet/private time.
offer some lighting challenges. With a little				As alluring as it is to design lessons that involve
creativity we are always able to make it work.				lots of physical movement and activity, it is
6. Ensure that your personal hygiene is not				important to build in time for individual thought and
offensive to others.				reflection on what is being learned. This can take
This means not slathering on too much perfume				the form of special assignments or short
or after-shave lotion and wearing a quality				segments of quiet or private time within other
deodorant. It also entails being aware that				activities. Either can work well - at least until a
conditions such as temperature fluctuations or				train passes by.
nervousness might cause sweating. Take special				In closing, physical distractions have the potential
precautions when it comes to breath. An ounce				to dampen your efforts to build an ideal learning
of garlic with lunch might just sabotage a pound				experience. By paying attention to the details
of well-planned learning activity.				above you can limit the risk of serious liability and
7. Allow a large enough room to move around in				increase your chances of success.
comfortably.

TeleComm

Creating the Ideal Learning Environment - Physical