The trainer's role in experiential learning

The primary responsibility of the trainer is to provide the Trainees with an effective and appropriate learning environment and to facilitate an active process by which Trainees determine and act on their individual learning needs. This can be best accomplished by trainers who:

- encourage the active involvement of all Trainees,

- promote an atmosphere of cooperation and open dialogue,

- enable Trainees to work at a pace and skill development level most appropriate to their own capabilities and ambitions,

- assist Trainees in identifying the linkages between each training session,

- provide Trainees with opportunities and incentives to constantly relate training experiences to "real life" situations,

- guide Trainees toward materials and people that may expand their learning experiences, and

- make themselves available to serve as resources without establishing themselves as all-knowing experts who merely dispense answers.