(Note: This is the fifth in a series of posts that
will be published in the coming weeks to provide an overview of a systematic
approach to developing summer camp staff training.)
The final step in planning staff training is to analyze
the learning environment. During this step the goal is to identify
environmental factors that may impact training. Any outside forces that
constrain what you can do with your training need to be identified.
Time
The first environmental factor to look at is time. You
need to determine how much time is available for training. Consider what the
overall time frame is for your staff training, how much time other non-training
activities will consume and what is left for actual training. You also want to
consider when time is available as it might influence what type of learning
activities can be done. If much of your available time is in the afternoon and
you’re in a very hot climate it may limit how much physical outdoor activity
your training can include. Nighttime
training might restrict some of what can be done and where it can done.
Facilities
The type of facilities available will have an impact on
your training. Look at what space is available, both indoors and outdoors.
Consider how that space can or can’t be used. Identify maximum capacities. Also
look at limitations such as lack of lighting for nighttime training or lack of
power for projectors.
Resources
Understanding what resources are available is also an
important consideration when planning training. Identify what supplies and
equipment you might need and whether they are available. Review the budget if
one exists for training to ensure you know how much money is available to
support your training.
Mandated
Requirements
Another factor that may influence your training are
requirements mandated by your organization, state licensing or your
accreditation. During the analysis process spend time researching and building
a list of these mandates so they can be added to the information generated in
your task analysis. If your organization requires a four hour training on preventing
and reporting child abuse it’s important to identify that requirement as you begin
to develop your training.
The five steps in the planning process create a framework
around on which your staff training will be build. You’ll have clearly defined
overall goals for your training. The job and task analysis will yield a
comprehensive list of topics to be taught during the training. Through learner
analysis you’ll understand the characteristics of your staff and how they
impact your training. You also will have identified any environments factors
that need to be considered. With this information in hand you’re ready to
design your staff training.
