I just spent last week in a ACA kayak instructor certification course (Level 3 & 4) with Kent Ford. As instruction coordinator for the Birmingham Canoe Club this year, I reached out to Kent in December to see if we could get him. I was lucky!
The entire course was actually a little over four days for the candidates seeking certification, but for an instructor recertification I only had to do two. But, I actually did three, just so I could soak up more of Kent’s knowledge on instruction. I’ve actually been certified since 2006, but you are required to get an update at least every four years. I love taking classes from others because you just soak up good ideas and different teaching methods. I definitely came away from this weekend with some excellent ideas for improving my classes this year.
Some of you that follow this blog are teachers and instructors and you know the challenge is removing some key barriers…such as fear and distractions. And, while you can and do have classroom sessions, the majority of learning takes place outside and on the water. You are also teaching all different types of learners, so you have to be able to adapt your style to each person to make sure they are getting it. Then there are always the issues you don’t know. The person who is taking the class to get over a fear of the water, the person doing it for the boyfriend or girlfriend that has no real interest, and my favorite — the person who is just looking to meet Mr. or Ms. Right. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but ask any of my friends and I’m definitely not Mrs. Matchmaker.
Anyway, it was fun to be reminded of the keys to good teaching. Keeping the instruction meaningful but simple; using good visuals and examples; and being able to show students what you are saying. There a gazillion better boaters out there than me, but I do think the one thing I’m good at is teaching. I love introducing people to this sport and showing them the beauty of this hobby. And, by beauty I mean the art of finding something outside of yourself that stretches your sensibilities and broadens your mind. Not to mention having the time of your life. Kent gave us some excellent drills that I’m going to be incorporating into my classes this summer. I can’t wait to see how the students respond.
By the way if you are interested in taking a class visit the Birmingham Canoe Club website. All of the classes are there. Right now I’ve only got one on the calendar for June 1-3, but I will hopefully add more as the summer goes on. Especially looking at an intermediate class maybe in August.
Look for pics here as well!
helen2o 