As instructors we have to provide training in various locations and not all are ideal. We understand that the setting where learning takes place is important. It is essential to create an environment that is conducive to learning. And we have to ensure that the location provides each learner elbow room where they are not packed in like sardines. Add to that, an environment that is well ventilated and comfortable regardless of the season. The reality is that this is not often the hand we are dealt, particularly when we are conducting training at a site where we have limited control over the training room.
I recently conducted on-site training for close to 30 participants in a room that was extremely warm, poorly ventilated, and crowded. Usually, as instructors, we’ll go in and, if we can, move furniture around or out of the room to create needed space. However, in this room the furniture was big, bulky, heavy, and more importantly immovable. Now this was a two-day course collapsed into one day due to the client’s time and economic constraints. The focus was on presentation skills. The challenge for these learners was to quickly consider a topic, choose a method, prepare, and finally, give presentations to their table group. All of this in less-than-ideal conditions.
Yet, despite the tight quarters, the high volume of noise (everyone giving presentations at the same time to their table group), the heat, and the challenge to prepare, process and perform in front of their peers with very little prep time, they did it and they did it well! They were so committed that, during their lunch, they took the time to create handouts and other materials to use during their presentations. I was amazed by the high quality of their work under these circumstances. I should add that most were novices and were extremely nervous.
So what’s my point? It was a reminder to me and hopefully it will be for you. Yes, location is important. We want comfortable environments for our learners and for ourselves. But my “take away” was this: when people are motivated, hungry, and committed to learn, they will learn anywhere! They could have seen the glass as half empty and used our time together to complain. It was loud, hot, and cramped and yet they persevered anyway because they wanted to learn!
Despite the hand we are dealt, when people are willing and want to learn, they will learn regardless of the circumstances and conditions. They’ll go with the flow and take what they need!
Linda
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Hi, this is true and i agree 100%. I am a Trainer and when faced with a venue which is not of the learners favor it is important for me to not show any kind of discomfort and keep the learners involved in the learning process so that they are not distracted by the environment.
regards,
Murtaza
Thank you Murtaza for your comment. We will not always have ideal circumstances, therefore it is important to be flexible and go with the flow. And it sounds like you are doing just that.
All the best,
Linda
I think under circumstances like that, it helps if the course leader remains positive. Motivation by the students is half the battle. The other half is the example set by the course leader. If you had turned negative I don’t think the learners would have been as successful in the class as they were.