. ski analyses : What to expect from a ski lesson (by Svetski) - 12 January 2004 - 23:42
Simply stated, it should be value for your time and your money. If you have made the commitment to improve your skiing by taking lessons, whether group or individual, you have a right to expect a certain standard of teaching or coaching.
For years the typical lesson had the instructor feeding technical jargon to the students standing in the line. The era of "bend the knees, watch the trees, that will be twenty dollars please" lesson is, for the most part, history.
Today, most students are aware that a skilled teacher has a lot to offer them. Considering that there are variety of teaching approaches, styles and personalities, here is a review of the basics that should be present in all lessons.
There should be an introduction. If the instructor is new, names should be exchanged and background established. As well, a brief discussion on the aim of the lesson should take place to identify needs of the students and his or her expectations.
If a skill is being corrected/modified or a new skill is being taught, an evaluation of the skill should occur in which the students demonstrate their existing competence. A demonstration of the desired skill and an explanation of the key points should follow. The instructor should then give individual feedback on the student’s existing skill. This phase in the learning process is important because it establishes a point of reference which the student may whish to consult later on. Also it allows the instructor to understand the student weaknesses or strengths prior to beginning any formal instruction.
The instructor should possess sound communication skills. To evaluate this, ask yourself - Does my instructor:
use my name while providing feedback on my activity?
ask me what I wanted to achieve and work on?
give clear and audible directions?
keep explanations simple?
inspire me by using encouraging words?
have a group voice and an individual voice?
Proper environment and good setting are factors that will establish confidence and facilitate learning. To verify if the setting is adequate, ask yourself - Does my instructor:
select a terrain that I feel safe on?
pick a hill with the right steepness?
bring me in a place where there is not too much traffic?
choose the best snow conditions for me to be successful?
A proper demonstration is the key to understanding what is to be accomplished. Consequently, effective demonstrations can contribute significantly to achieving maximum success of the lesson. To verify the quality of the demonstrations, ask yourself - Does my instructor:
use correct positioning so I can clearly see the demonstration?
give complete demonstrations for each skill/
demonstrate at a speed and level that I can relate to?
A group lesson should be a really enjoyable, active and well organized experience. To establish whether or not your instructor has command of the dynamics of group teaching, ask yourself - Does my instructor:
keep us occupied productively? For example, everyone has something to work on and no one is standing around for too long.
constantly rotate around the students when using the tactic of follow the teacher?
give individualized attention without disturbing the rhythm of the class?
know the capabilities of the class and carefully pace the stops?
By creating as many positive situations as possible, a sensitive instructor can speed up the learning process of each individual. To verify whether or not the optimum learning environment has been created, ask yourself - Does my instructor:
recognize faults and make positive corrections (one at the time)?
introduce new concepts in a stress-free atmosphere which makes me unafraid to make mistakes?
maintain a nice pace for the lesson?
conclude the lesson with something positive for each student, with suggestions for practice and a review of strengths and weaknesses?
If you are able to answer yes to all of those questions, there is a very good chance that you enjoyed yourself, learned as much as you should have and received a full value for your time and money.
Svetski
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