About this training
This manual integrates structured tractor exercises with autism-aware adaptations. The program is flatscreen-first to reduce sensory load and maximize predictability. Beyond the core exercises, the manual explains how simulator-based skills transfer to real farm work, highlighting safety during this transition. Assessment guidelines help trainers monitor progress and readiness for practical application.
Curriculum
Click a section to see exercises. Each table lists the exercise, purpose, and description. Criteria can be tightened after consecutive safe runs.
| Exercise | Purpose | Description | Trainer Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 Tractor layout | Identify main parts | Click the correct part name on the tractor. | Use large, labeled visuals; allow extra time for scanning. Reduce visual clutter; confirm by pointing & naming; avoid timed pressure. |
| 1.2 Maintenance | Pre-drive checks | Inspect the tractor and add faults to a list. | Laminated pictogram checklist. Demo → guided practice → independent run. Tick boxes aloud; split into 2–3 short passes. |
| Exercise | Purpose | Description | Trainer Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1A Obstacle course | Tractor handling | Drive through an obstacle course. | Keep courses short with clear markers. One instruction at a time; allow pause after each segment. |
| 2.1B Obstacle course w/ trailer | Handling with trailer | Drive the obstacle course with a connected trailer. | Preview path with finger trace. Wider turns & slower pace. Permit one ‘reset’ without penalty. |
| 2.2 Reverse with trailer | Trailer reversing | Reverse into different parking spaces with a trailer. | Mirror cue cards; tiny steering inputs; slow speed. Instructor stands at a fixed, visible spot. |
| 2.3 Hitch a trailer | Coupling practice | Manually connect a loaded trailer to the hitch. | Micro‑steps with photos (align → lower → lock → cable). Use a ‘stop’ card; praise each step. |
| 2.5 Secure implements & reverse | Attachment control | Move four tools with different connection types. | Color‑coded connectors & tool icons. Verbalize sequence. Pause before moving after connection. |
| 2.6 Unload from combine | Synchronized driving | Drive alongside the combine and match speed while unloading. | Practice match‑speed without load. Optional metronome pacing. Use calm, early cues; avoid last‑second commands. |
| Exercise | Purpose | Description | Trainer Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 Mower | Operate & turn | Attach implements and use the mower. | Explain cutting width & turns using a chalked path. Limit sound. Short, repeatable laps with rests. |
| 3.2 Rotary rake | Rake practice | Gather hay into a narrow windrow. | Show before/after windrows. Keep target width consistent; use visual guides along rows. |
| 3.3 Baler | Baling | Collect hay and tie into bales. | Visual, concise instructions. One focus per attempt; offer breaks. Prioritize safety & predictability over speed. |
| 3.4 Bale handling | Loader handling | Load and transport bales from the field. | Start with low stacks. Encourage slow, deliberate joystick moves. Agree on a neutral ‘pause’ signal. |
| 3.5 Forage wagon | Collect & unload | Collect hay and empty it. | Define start/stop markers. Simple fill goals; avoid multi‑task chatter. |
| 3.6 Front loader tools | Tool handling | Lift/place bales, switch to forks, move pallets to trailer. | Micro‑movements: “tap not push.” Grid target for placement. Count down (“3‑2‑1 lift”). |
| Exercise | Purpose | Description | Trainer Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.1 Intro to ploughing | Basic ploughing | Mount & set plough, manoeuvre and turn. | Demonstrate set‑up, then repeat with prompts. High‑contrast guide lines; ignore cosmetic errors early. |
| 4.4 Harrow | Harrowing | Attach harrow and process a small area. | Keep area small; consistent overlap lines. Praise rhythmic pacing over speed. |
| Exercise | Purpose | Description | Trainer Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0 Pre-traffic check | Safety checks | Point-and-click exterior check, then in-cab functions and lights. | Laminated pictogram checklist. Demo → guided practice → independent run. Tick boxes aloud; split into 2–3 short passes. |
| 6.1 Start & stop | Control & positioning | Start/stop, basic driving, reversing and corner reversing. | Count‑down for actions. Practice corner reversing in a quiet scene first. |
| 6.2 Basic road driving | Speed, distance, signalling | Step-by-step road rules and positioning before turns. | One focus per lap (e.g., signalling). Route cards with arrows; avoid complex intersections early. |
| 6.3 Intersections & priority | Safe intersections | Practice right-of-way, stop/give-way signs, and traffic lights. | Role‑play with toy cars. Simple ‘yield’ card; rehearse eye movements (left‑right‑left). |
| 6.4 Roundabouts | Safe roundabouts | Approach, navigate, and exit with correct signalling & position. | Teach lane & exit numbers visually. Finger‑trace entry/exit before driving. |
| 6.6 Driving on the road | Rules on public road | Work zones, incidents, turning left, overtaking etiquette. | Predictable loop; announce hazards early. No surprise scenarios until confidence builds. |
| 6.7 Eco-driving | Fuel-saving | Avoid unnecessary stops, high gears, and harsh braking. | Gamify smoothness: score fewer brakes & gentle accelerations. Tachometer range card. |
| 7.1 Urban driving | Realistic traffic | Free practice in a city, with/without trailer; night driving optional. | Reduce traffic density; disable night until ready. 2–3 clear goals per run; allow recovery breaks. |
| Exercise | Purpose | Description | Trainer Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.1 Mower & rake | Two-step workflow | Mow the field before raking. | Explain cutting width & turns using a chalked path. Limit sound. Short, repeatable laps with rests. |
| 9.2 Rake & baler | Rake then bale | Rake into rows, then compress with the baler. | Show before/after windrows. Keep target width consistent; use visual guides along rows. |
| 9.3 Baler & bale handler | Bales & transport | Make bales, load to trailer, transport to farmyard. | Short reset when switching tools. Keep camera view consistent for continuity. |
| 9.4 Multi-exercise | All tools in order | Long practice requiring sustained focus. | Chunk into 3–4 stages with short breaks. Score safety/quality first; add time targets later. |
| Scenario | Purpose | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unload combine with tractors | Teamwork & timing | Two tractors alternate unloading while matching the combine’s speed. | Fixed roles & calm leader voice. Radio protocol cards; practice speed matching without grain flow first. |
| Multiplayer race | Competitive handling | Race up to 3 other players on a robust course. | Chunk into 3–4 stages with short breaks. Score safety/quality first; add time targets later. |
| Bale-grab bowling | Precision & timing | Knock down series with the bale grab. | High‑contrast pins; two practice throws. Emphasize safe approach over score. |
| Co‑operative bale loading | Co‑operation | Work together (up to 3 players) to clear bales from the field. | Define roles (loader/spotter/driver). Turn‑taking rules and a shared checklist. |
Pass rule: follow safety protocol; complete objectives without collisions; tighten tolerances after consecutive successes. VR only after sustained flatscreen success or when the learner already performs well in VR.
Disclaimer
This curriculum shows the full list of available modules. Trainers are free to choose, adapt, and sequence modules according to their professional judgement and the needs of each specific learner. The structure is a guide, not a prescription. Safety, learner well‑being, and individual readiness should always guide decisions.
Display & Hardware Configurations
Flatscreen-first policy: Start on a single monitor. VR is optional and added only after consistent success on flatscreen. Keep an external display active during VR so the instructor can observe.
- Monitor setup: Steering wheel, traffic or industrial pedals, optional dual joysticks for loader tools; touch screen for menus.
- VR setup: Same controls as above; instructor watches via external display.
Tenstar learning tools like Record & Replay and the Scoring System support feedback and progress tracking.
Trainer Guidelines
Plan, deliver, and adapt sessions to learner needs. Keep it visual, short, and measurable.
- Instruction: Visual steps + demos; ≤10-minute tasks; scheduled short breaks.
- Support: Clear start/end points; pictograms; monitor sensory load; give specific praise.
- Assessment: Observable criteria per exercise (e.g., “zero collisions”, “≤2 prompts”), log progress, adjust pacing/difficulty.
Do’s & Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Start on flatscreen; introduce VR only when stable. | Push VR early while basics aren’t solid. |
| Use visual instructions and quick demos. | Overload with long verbal explanations. |
| Keep sessions short with proactive breaks. | Run long, fatiguing blocks without rest. |
| Define simple, measurable criteria. | Rely on vague impressions of progress. |
| Adapt to the learner’s profile. | Force a rigid, one-size-fits-all sequence. |
Grading Guideline
Dimensions: knowledge, procedures, control, safety, efficiency, teamwork.
| Dimension | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | Recognizes parts with prompts; basic checks | Explains functions; reads instrument/tool info | Anticipates risks; explains adjustments |
| Procedures | Follows steps with guidance | Independent setup & maintenance | Adapts procedures under pressure |
| Control | Basic moves; occasional corrections | Smooth driving; zero collisions | Fine precision; complex placements |
| Safety | Relies on instructor for safety | Consistent checks; no violations | Proactive, maintains safety under stress |
| Efficiency | Slow; needs prompts | Balanced pace; correct positioning | Fast & precise; meets timed goals |
| Teamwork | Responds to direct prompts | Uses signals effectively | Fluent teamwork in complex tasks |
Progression: any safety violation = fail; advance after 3 safe runs; VR after sustained Intermediate/Advanced performance.
Reality Training — Transition to Real Machinery
Goal: create a safe, structured bridge from simulator (flatscreen-first) to real tractor work so skills transfer reliably to workplace tasks.
- Quality: controlled actions aligned with objectives; repeatable execution; situational awareness.
- Safety: risk awareness; preventive checks embedded; no rushed/impulsive actions.
- Economy: minimize unnecessary movements; purposeful time use; machine care.
Trainer check: verify fit, condition, and compliance before entering the work area. Missing critical PPE = no start.
- Briefings: laminated checklists; clear stop words/gestures.
- Site prep: predictable lighting/noise; marked safe zones; emergency pause protocol.
- Documentation: record attempts, time, mistakes, improvements; export progress.
- Stage 1 — Dry runs (no power): PPE routine; workstation checklist; posture; cold‑tractor walkaround.
- Stage 2 — Supervised micro‑tasks: short straight drives and loader tasks; coach one parameter at a time.
- Stage 3 — Tolerance narrowing: after two successful sessions, tighten tolerances by 10–20%; add mild variability.
- Stage 4 — Authentic tasks: longer field tasks with timed micro‑goals; compare sim metrics with real outcomes.
- Stage 5 — Workplace shadowing: observe senior operator; complete a small, low‑risk task under supervision.
Pass rule (reality): No safety violations; quality within beginner tolerances; stable speed; tighten only after two consecutive successful sessions.
Enhancements & Options
Autism‑aware enhancements include adaptive sensory settings (sound intensity, visual complexity), saved user profiles for comfort, and coping breaks on flatscreen (calm screen, breathing prompts).
Scenario replays
Use record & replay to analyze sessions in 3D with slow‑motion and rotating views; tag mistakes by severity and discuss prevention.
Customized feedback
Use the scoring system’s real‑time scorecards for Safety, Quality, and Economy to guide improvement.
Peer practice
Small‑group sessions: one learner practices while peers observe and take notes. This builds shared language and lets others mentally rehearse before their turn—provided roles are clear and the environment is structured.
Virtual Training Space (VTS)
Multiple users can enter the same space for cooperative training, practicing simultaneous machine use safely.
How to set up VR for autistic learners: headset settings, safe play area, casting to TV, and more.