1. At least 40% hands-on activities, directly involved in rigging and moving loads. Most adults learn best by doing. ITI has always practiced the "see it, speak it while doing it" approach in its Rigging Training. A quality program involves a process that uses the strength of the student, which is generally visual learning.
2. Problem solving classroom workshops. People typically like to be challenged and interactive, problem-solving workshops achieve that goal. With an established formula in-hand with a sample problem solved, most students benefit by having to discover the answers using their new tools. A few assigned problems relating to the subject can quickly cement a new method.
3. Field guides for use after the program is completed (rigging formula cards). Lugging a book around in the field is impractical. Students like having their tools with them in easy reach. The formulas related to their classroom sessions help reinforce the learning when they can immediately put into practice those methods recently acquired. Having the formulas in a quick-ready format like a rigging field reference card, is a huge help to the student.
4. Direct instruction in personnel assignments; signaler, rigger and crew responsibilities. Having a professional express the "roles" that each person should play is very helpful. With reasons as to "why", they can see the value of buying-in to the assignments and associated responsibilities.
5. Answers to site-specific questions about approved or "best practices" procedures. Hearing the responses to everyday issues from a professional can help resolve the "who-what-where-why-when-how" concerning crane and rigging activities. Experience is a tremendous guide for those who work in a closed environment where the response is, "That's the way we have always done it", without realizing that a "best practices" approach may provide a better and safer solution.
Happy Trails to All My Rigging Friends,
Mike Parnell
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