Instructor Challenges
|
Register for Updates To make sure you recieve a direct notification of each months topic for SAFETY TALK as well as other information about important BSAC changes, new BSAC services and BSAC benefits please register for the BSAC MAILING LIST |
|
Instructor Challenges
I’m just finalising my own preparations for acting as an Examiner for this years National Instructor Exam and was thinking back to when I took the exam myself back in the early 1990’s.You would think that the challenges and expectations had changed a great deal over that time but thinking about it they remain pretty constant, to me at least. At the time it seemed that the burden of responsibility fell firmly on me and that the students at whatever level got all the tuition and support and there was little, if any, benefit for me.
Now, with the advantage of having helped others achieve their own goals and been part of seeing them grow and develop over their instructing careers it may be clear that the challenges remain the same. However, being able to look in from the outside I see more clearly where and how the benefits apply and this has helped me to take the maximum gain from my own contribution.
The sense of achievement you see in others when they not only attain a qualification but go on to further levels is inspiring. Seeing the novel and different ways in which they teach skills is enlightening and a constant source of new ideas. Mark Wilson
NDC Instructor Group Leader |
INSTRUCTOR CHALLENGES
So often Instructors express the feeling that they are undervalued, lack physical or logistical support or even ‘on their own’. For someone who is fundamental to the safe development and training of others towards diving, instructing and ancillary skills this is understandable but unwarranted.
The disappearing student
One of the most common complaints of instructors, and branches, is that students frequently disappear after completing their training. This is actually something of a testament to the instructors success that the student feels confident in their abilities to go and enjoy their diving without further support. It should not be taken as a sign of failure on the part of the instructor, although encouraging and enthusing them about the delights of local diving using their new skills would never go amiss.
On your own?
Instructors often voice the concern that they are effectively diving solo when with a trainee. Whilst taking steps to ensure their own self reliance, for example carrying a redundant gas source, this is to undervalue the instructors own contribution to the dive pairing. Even Ocean Diver trainee’s on their first Open Water Dive have considerable proven ability as a diver. Although previously taught in Sheltered Water they are competent in skills such as AAS, CBL and surface support and are following a simple progressive step. Perhaps more importantly they have been taught those skills by an instructor in preparation for this next step in their diving progression.
Responsibility
Increased responsibility is implied when teaching young people and vulnerable adults. The reality is however; that the care normally exercised in looking after any trainee is all that is required for other vulnerable groups. The rewards for success are however well worth the additional challenge and effort. That very genuine smile is a truly fitting reward.
Think SAFE - Dive SAFE
Any suggestions for further items for inclusion would be welcome and can be made to divesafe@bsac.com
|
Register for Updates To make sure you recieve a direct notification of each months topic for SAFETY TALK as well as other information about important BSAC changes, new BSAC services and BSAC benefits please register for the BSAC MAILING LIST |
Page last modified: 28th Aug 2008 - 17:00:01