The Learning Zone Model (Senninger, 2000)
I came across the Learning Zone Model by Senninger back in 2014 as I was researching how to become a better kayaking coach. The coaching models I was taught helped to build my foundation in coaching theory but I wanted to go beyond those basic models. As I looked into the topic, I realised that the models I was exposed to were fairly old as they were popularized in the 80s and 90s. What I liked about the Learning Zone Model by Senninger was that he talked about the Comfort, Learning and Panic Zones and how it varies in each individual. However, I think the greatest aha! moment for me was when I read about how we should not push people too hard because we never know where each individual's comfort and learning zone ends and where their panic zone begins. View as a video: https://youtu.be/Id6wYKXsgLU
The Learning Zone Model (Senninger, 2000)
- 2. COMFORT ZONE In the comfort zone, things are familiar. It's a safe place to reflect on knowledge and experiences. Comfort Zone Learning Zone Panic Zone
- 3. COMFORT ZONELEARNING ZONE Where you learn and grow. You expand your comfort zone as you become familiar with what you learn. Comfort Zone Panic Zone
- 4. COMFORT ZONELEARNING ZONE Comfort Zone PANIC ZONE Energy is spent managing fear or anxiety. Learning is impossible. Comfort Zone Learning Zone Panic Zone
- 5. Comfort Zone "Ah... Nice and shady." Things are familiar, no need to take any risks
- 6. Learning Zone "A little deeper each time." Lies just outside of comfort zone. Only way to learn and grow.
- 7. Panic Zone "OMG! What have I gotten myself into?!" Moving too far from comfort zone, beyond the learning zone. Fear and anxiety takes over.
- 8. TAKE NOTE Every individual's threshold for each zone will be different. It can also differ by situation. Comfort Zone Learning Zone Panic Zone Comfort Zone Learning Zone Panic Zone Comfort Zone Learning Zone Panic Zone
- 9. FINAL WORD Never push someone into the learning zone, as you cannot see where it starts and ends.