By Dr. Donald L. Green, 25 October 2022
What makes a Great Learning Environment?
Quite often, as questions are asked in RiderCoach Forums or at Rider Education sites, my mind almost always reverts to thoughts about the Educational Environment. Whether it be the location – as in facilities or range, the “tone” set by the RiderCoach, or the equipment and amenities Educational Environment is a critical variable in learning content.
1) First and foremost is the safety of the student. Safety and Risk Management is the number ONE priority and the most critical underpinning. Keeping a student physically and mentally safe can’t be overstated. When the MSF RiderCoach Guide expresses that one incident is too much, it is undoubtedly guidance worthy of following and trying to adhere to. But providing an environment where students feel comfortable and safe enough to socialize and learn is just as much, if not more important!
2) The Second part of a good Educational Environment is, of course, the next underpinning or Adult/Accelerated Learning. To order this as priority number TWO is purely opinion. Still, it is a segue from the safe learning environment established by the mutual respect necessary to connect with students. Without the human connection, RiderCoach to Student, Student to Student, and Student to RiderCoach, the transactional relationship of learning and gaining knowledge is lost. It takes practice, effort, and skill to establish the connection and use the Adult/Accelerated Learning principles in a challenging and supportive learning environment. I would also contend that some of the behavioral aspects relating to the coursework are generated in this realm or sphere. Without good relations and human connection, changes in student behaviors are somewhat lost or shallow at best.
3) Without fanfare, the Third underpinning of Motor Skill development is no less essential; however, understanding how motor skills are developed seems to be a weak point in the RiderCoach Tool Box. The THREE steps are imperative (check out your RCG if you aren’t familiar) but just as important is the ability to break down the schemas associated with how students develop the motor skill so we can observe what is not happening to engage in good coaching guidance to resolve any issues. The educational environment requires us as coaches to have a deep and broad understanding of WHY the curricular sequence provides the necessary framework to accomplish student learning tasks.
Educational Environment requires curiosity to explore the information and develop knowledge to support the student. It is a responsibility we should not take lightly.
I hope this stirs thought and exploration of the RCG. I hope everyone has a great week!
-Don
