Learning Stations

Learning station set-up is essential in training. In this lesson you will identify learning stations appropriate for the acquisition of skills in each competency of your qualification. Learning station set-up will depend on the skills to be practiced and the activities to be performed.

Reading Area

Reading modules to acquire knowledge, for example, would only need the CBLM, a table and chairs which are located in  the  components  of  the your workshop such as the Learning Resource  Area. The  Computer  Area  may also provide additional reading materials which can  be  searched  from the internet or a part of your e-Learning Materials.

Simulators

Norton (1987) believes that participants in a competency-based training course should learn in an environment that duplicates or simulates the work place. Richards (1985) in writing about performance testing indicates that assessment of skills requires tests using simulations (e.g., models and role plays) or work samples (i.e., performing actual tasks under controlled conditions in either a laboratory or a job setting). Finally, Delker (1990) in a study of business and industry found that the best approach for training involved learner-centered instruction using print, instructional technology and simulations.

Training simulators or mock-ups – this learning stations should closely micmic or model the equipment and materials that are usually  in a work area.  You should be able  to identify what simulators needs to be  set-up so as to provide actual practice of skills within a competency.

The number of simulators or mock-ups will depend on the number of machines used in your qualification.

Role-play Area

Role-play areas should mimic the actual work area. As in a restaurant, the essential parts and workstation arrangements should be a prime consideration in setting-up the role-play area. The role-play area may not be the set-up of a whole restaurant but the area where a Task is being done, as in serving a guest, including the furnitures and other utensils should be physically present in order that the performance of the trainee will not be limited by the absence of these materials.

Benchwork Area

Some qualifications would require a benchwork  area  to  be  set-up.  This maybe the common area where benchwork maybe done  before  the  actual performance of a task, operation or a job.

Other learning stations maybe set-up depending on the need of the qualification you are teaching. Always consider setting-up at least one learning station particularly for each competency. As much as possible avoid using the same station for two or more competencies. Duplication of workstations or mock-ups is recommended to allow trainees to have more practice of the skills.