Environmental Layout

 

Physically organize the learning environment so that the teacher can reach and see every learner. Tactical Decision Games (TDGs), discussions, After Action Reviews, etc., should be formed in a horseshoe with the learners oriented away from distractions. During classroom projects or group work, the faculty members should be able to reach every learner by using an interior loop which allows free access to all. When possible, arrange learners so their back is to the sun, even if that means the teacher is facing the sun. Oftentimes there is opportunity to use the slope of a hill to position the learners with a good view of the teacher and the terrain being discussed.

[Click here to download Learning in the Wildland Fire Service.]

Challenge #30 - 2022 WFLDP Campaign

 

Challenge #30: Effective leaders create ideal learning environments that engage learners.

• Read “Creating the Ideal Environment – How to Maximize Time, Resources, and Engagement.”
• https://trainingindustry.com/magazine/issue/creating-the-ideal-learning-environment-how-to-maximize-time-resources-and-engagement/
• Answer the following questions:
• Do leaders set the daily work environment and create a positive learning climate?
• Are learning spaces free from distractions and interruptions?
• Are teachers prepared to teach?
• Are learners engaged?

IGNITE: We Must Listen

Why is it so difficult to realize that others are more likely to listen to us if first we listen to them? - Coach John Wooden

[Photo: Avi Farber/BLM]

Environmental Management

 

This is about setting the environmental conditions and tone for a consistent focus on learning wherever the learning is planned to occur: in a lecture hall, a discussion room, around a sand table, on a staff ride of an old fireground, in the field scouting a new area, in a bus, or out on the fireline. To do so we must consider our tenets of interaction with learners first, engage learners, and react to distractions or interruptions in ways that keep the focus on learning and the needs of the learner.

[Click here to download Learning in the Wildland Fire Service.]

IGNITE: Treasures

 

People under the influence of an empowering person are like paper in the hands of a great artist. No matter what they're made of, they can become treasures. - John Maxwell

[Photo: Moki Helitack/BLM]

Learning Climate

 

The most important learning climate is the daily working environment and a positive climate for learning set by organization leaders.

[Click here to download Learning in the Wildland Fire Service.]

Challenge #29 - 2022 WFLDP Campaign

 Challenge #29: Effective leaders provide a safe place for learning.

With your team or via self-reflection, respond to the following questions:

• Where are learning opportunities occurring?
• Are learning opportunities lecture-focused instead of experiential?
• Are we training like we “fight”?
• Are students engaged?

Make a plan to learn as much as possible in the work environment.

IGNITE: Strong Cultures

A culture is strong when people work with each other, for each other. A culture is weak when people work against each other, for themselves.” -  Simon Sinek, leadership consultant

[Photo: Suzanne Allman/BLM]

Learning Environment and Climate

 What is the learning climate of your unit and how do you contribute—whatever your position?

The firefighter’s operating environment makes the best learning environment. Therefore, if possible, get firefighters out in the woods, in the grasslands, in the neighborhoods. Hike the hills, keep them moving and exposed to changing environments to stimulate thought and learning. When possible, let the outdoors be your primary “classroom.”

IGNITE: Excel at Knowing How to Learn

 

Excel at not knowing but knowing how to learn. - The Daily Coach blog

[Photo: Cedar City IHC]