Positive Learning Environment: Critical Reflection

Kyleah Wallace

Arizona State University

TEL 111: Exploration of Education

Jo Switzer

April 24th, 2022

 I chose to observe a barista training session at the Starbucks that I work at for this

assignment. I chose to do this because I have been at this location for 3 years and I know that the

training has changed a lot since I have begun here. I also know that Starbucks has changed the

training to be more inclusive and emphasize the importance of the employees experience as well

as the customer’s experience. Another reason that I was interested in observing a barista training

session was to see ways to educate adults. I feel as if so much of my education thus far has been

based around educating children. Which is also important, but I feel like if you are able to

educate at any age then this makes you more well rounded and strengthens your knowledge and

ability to be successful while educating.

One big thing that I recognized during the training is that there wasn’t a lot of explanation

of why certain things are important to do. Having reasoning behind an action makes the action

more relevant and will make that individual feel better about doing the work. An article called

Seven Strategies for Building Positive Classrooms discussed the importance of making learning

relevant and said, “Students are more engaged in learning and retain knowledge better when they

see that it is relevant and vital to their own success and happiness. By discovering students'

talents, learning styles, and interests, teachers can adjust teaching methods and strategies. By

giving students a say in how the classroom operates, teachers increase students' sense of

ownership in the education process.” (ASCD, 2008).

The barista training experience can be overwhelming, you are learning a lot of different

things at once. Such as drink ingredients, drink sequencing, coffee differentiation, customer

connection, managing health code standards, etc. One way to make this experience less stressful

for the individual being trained is to reinforce positive behaviors. “Teachers can strengthen

intrinsic motivation by recognizing and positively reinforcing positive actions when they see
them. Recognition activities and items—such as tokens, stickers, and certificates—can be

effective. But when teachers or other staff use this strategy, it's important that they recognize the

positive behavior, ask how it made the student feel, and tell the student the extrinsic reward is a

reminder of that good feeling. When students make the connection between their performance

and feeling good about themselves, intrinsic motivation is enhanced and positive behaviors

continue.” (ASCD, 2008).

Another way to make this training experience positive is to have clear communication

throughout the staff. This was something that I noticed while observing the training. I could see

that there were times when the barista was training and would get stuck in a certain part and need

assistance. This person was hesitant to ask for help or ask questions, which can have a very

negative effect on their performance and training experience. An article called 32 Strategies for

Building a Positive Learning Environment addressed the importance of clear communication.

The article stated, Speak their language. Use humor, tech, or other strategies to get on their level.

That extra effort will go a long way in relating to students. This strategy can be used to present

traditionally "mundane" information, like classroom rules and regulations. Start from scratch.

You might know your rules backwards and forwards, but remember your students are most likely

new to your teaching style and expectations. Try not to assume your students know how to do

seemingly basic tasks, like collaborating or taking notes. This can be time consuming, but like

building relationships, it'll pay off” (Raffaelli, 2014).

The final aspect of creating a positive learning environment that is essential to to build a

good relationship between the educator and the learner. “Take your time. You may be tempted to

jump right into content when the school year starts, but taking the time to build relationships will

pay off later. You'll create individual relationships that last and a community for your students”
(Raffaelli, 2014). Although this article was talking about building relationships in a school sense,

it is still equally important in a work environment as well. Having a good relationship between

coworkers is essential and improves the work experience for everyone. It makes a happier and

healthier work environment where everyone feels understood and supported.

There are many aspects that contribute to a positive learning environment. Some of the

most important include open communication, building good relationships, reinforcing positive

behavior, and also keeping learning relevant. Incorporating these things in a learning

environment can result in a positive experience not only for the learner but also for the educator

and the atmosphere overall.

References:

ASCD. (2008, September 1). Seven strategies for building positive classrooms. ASCD.

Retrieved April 24, 2022, from

https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/seven-strategies-for-building-positive-classrooms

Raffaelli, L. (2014, September 3). 32 strategies for building a positive learning

environment. Edutopia. Retrieved April 24, 2022, from

https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/32-strategies-building-positive-learning-environment