Creating a Positive Learning Environment
(Aug 2003)

All of us can remember sitting in a classroom listening to lectures and trying to stay awake. The effective trainer is one who can create a positive learning climate. In order to create a positive learning climate, you first need to understand the characteristics of adult learners. 

Adult learners: 

• Require learning to be relevant 
• Are highly motivated if they believe learning is relevant 
• Need participation and active involvement in the learning process 
• Desire a variety of learning experiences 
• Desire positive feedback 
• Have personal concerns and need an atmosphere of safety 
• Need to be recognized as individuals with unique backgrounds, experiences and learning needs 
• Must maintain their self-esteem 
• Have high expectations for themselves and their trainer 
• Have personal needs that must be taken into consideration 

Creating a positive learning climate requires the involvement of learners. To involve learners: 

• Allow participants to provide input regarding schedules, activities and other events
• Ask questions and solicit feedback 
• Brainstorm and encourage discussions 
• Plan hands-on work, group and individual projects, and classroom activities 

A positive learning climate is created through the use of a variety of learning methods including: 

• Audiovisual aids 
• Illustrated lectures 
• Demonstrations 
• Brainstorming 
• Small group activities 
• Group discussions 
• Role plays and case studies 
• Guest speakers 

The effective trainer helps to create the positive learning climate by using a variety of techniques for providing positive feedback. To provide positive feedback: 

• Give verbal praise either in front of other participants or in private 
• Use positive responses during questioning 
• Recognize appropriate skills while coaching 
• Let the participants know how they are progressing toward achieving learning objectives 

Be sure to treat the participants as individuals. To do this you can: 

• Use participant names as often as possible 
• Involve all participants as often as possible 
• Treat participants with respect 
• Allow participants to share information with others 

To maintain the self-esteem of your learners, you can: 

• Reinforce those practices and beliefs embodied in the course content 
• Provide corrective feedback in an appropriate manner 
• Provide training that adds to their sense of competence and self-esteem 
• Recognize participants' own career accomplishments 

Creating a positive learning climate requires planning and work on the part of the trainer. Using these suggestions you can help build a positive learning climate that will make your training more fun and effective. 

For more information about "Creating a Positive Learning Climate," contact Rick Sullivan at repro@jhpiego.net 

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