CHAPTER 3: TEACHING THEORY
THE ROLE OF THE SNOWBOARD INSTRUCTOR:
A snowboard instructor doesn’t just teach the technical aspects of snowboarding. As an instructor, you are in a unique position, and often looked at as a peer, friend, or a guide. Instructors can be the deciding factor in whether or not a beginner chooses to become a snowboarder, and as such you have an impact on the future of snowboarding. You can create life-long snowboarders! The following skills and attitudes will help make you more effective as an instructor: 1. An understanding of the information you want to transfer. Instructors must have credibility. You must be able to “do as you say.” It is important to demonstrate adequate skill in your riding, and a thorough understanding of your sport. This includes a sound knowledge of snowboarding technique and equipment. These subjects all are covered in this Reference Guide. You are the primary source of information for your students, so know your subject! 2. A positive attitude. Instructors must build a positive attitude towards learning. A student trying to acquire new skills or to apply new techniques can become frustrated and anxious. You, as the instructor, must be patient and supportive. The Principles of Learning and techniques of training outlined in this section will help you to build and maintain a positive attitude in the teaching environment. 3. Effective communication. Approximately 60% of all communication is altered in some way as a result of interpretation, misconception, or some other factor. Your students can easily misinterpret what you say. To avoid confusion, make your message as clear and direct as possible. 4. Ability to analyze performance. You will be required to analyze each student’s performance by pinpointing the cause of a problem (cause and effect relationship). Based on your analysis, you will set performance goals and make sure the students understand their performance objectives. 5. Leadership in coaching and guiding your students. An understanding of snowboarding theory and practice is fundamental to being a good instructor. The best instructors also develop good leadership skills so that they can communicate more effectively with their students, and pass on their information and skills. The instructor who can take the teaching material and tailor it to the needs of the individuals in the group will achieve better results.
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