the art of teaching

This chapter outlines the role and responsibilities of the ski instructor, the
process of learning, understanding and meeting guests needs, teaching
styles, communication modes and the teaching model.

1.1 the role

of the instructor

Learning is the goal of teaching and for this to be achieved several key
elements must be maintained.

Ski instructing is a professional occupation. Effective ski teachers must have

a passion for the sport and the mountain environment, combined with a

safety

disciplined approach to developing exceptional communication skills.

Students must feel physically and emotionally safe in the mountain

environment with both the instructor and other participants in the lesson.

A ski instructor accepts the responsibility of influencing the behaviour,

actions and beliefs of individuals and groups. Learning a physical skill

enjoyment

such as skiing poses safety concerns and can be an emotional experience

Skiing is a recreational sport and the goal of a lesson is for students to have

for students. A ski instructor needs to adopt a variety of roles to ensure a

fun and enjoy the experience.

successful lesson.

LEARNING
When these two elements are present the environment is primed for learning.
Safety, enjoyment and learning are the responsibilities of the ski instructor.

1.0

1.1

leader

counsellor and friend

Instructors are required to be well organised leaders students can rely on.

Effective instructors are approachable and the goal is to listen and respond

It is the instructors responsibility to choose a safe environment for the

to the needs of each student. An element of friendship exists in a healthy

lesson, taking into account terrain, weather, snow conditions, the condition

student-instructor relationship and is built on trust, honesty, support

of the students and the number of people on the mountain at the time.

and encouragement.

An instructor must plan and communicate lesson content in a logical

sensible manner and within a given time frame. Other examples of effective
leadership include presenting clear and structured information, giving
direction during practice time, leading the students effectively on terrain,
providing well planned and identifiable meeting or stopping areas and

1.2 the learning

environment

devising and communicating strategies to make changes or developments

to the students skiing.

A successful learning environment is one that makes students physically

comfortable and puts them emotionally at ease with themselves and their

follower
Good instructors know when not to lead and when to be sensitive to the

social surroundings. This is essential for students to be able to analyse and

process the new information they will receive while skiing.

needs and decisions of others.

Abraham Maslow created a model that prioritises conditions of

teacher

the learning environment called Maslows Hierarchy of Needs. This model can

Ski instructors are first and foremost teachers. In addition to an

be very helpful for the instructor when setting up the learning environment

understanding of the skills and techniques of skiing, an instructor must

as well as for analysing how to bring a student back to an effective state of

have a current understanding of teaching methodologies. Teaching

learning.

means communicating and an effective instructor will use a variety of

communication techniques (see Chapter 1.5 Teaching Styles pg. 24)

physiological needs

including providing specific and timely feedback to students.

These are basic needs of the body, which include food, hydration, warmth
and physical comfort. Students need to be dressed appropriately for warmth.

role model

They must be fed, hydrated and able to make toilet stops if required. Their

Instructors must set a high standard through their own skiing and on-snow

equipment should fit comfortably and work correctly. If these needs are

etiquette consistently following the same rules and expectations in their own

not met it will be difficult for a student to focus on learning, therefore the

actions and attitudes as they would expect from their students.

instructor should address these issues not only at the outset of a lesson but
regularly throughout the session.

goalsetting
Instructors must work with students to negotiate appropriate goals and
limits to plan and structure their development with clear and
well-communicated pathways.

1.1

1.2

safety needs

social belonging

These are basic emotional needs of safety and security. Students need to feel

This refers to the students sense of emotional comfort with the inter-personal

challenged to develop their skills. For that challenge to be productive and

relationships that will exist in the lesson environment. In a private lesson this is

not induce fear they must feel that they can accomplish the task at hand.

primarily the learning partnership that is created between the instructor and the

This involves feeling safe in their surroundings and terrain as well as having

student. In a group lesson social belonging also involves the other students. It

a trust in the learning partnership created with the instructor. The instructor

is the instructors responsibility to create an atmosphere that encourages open

takes on a leadership role in the lesson and provides information that

communication between all participants in the lesson. Students need to feel that

ensures the students safety. This includes educating and adhering to the

their personal goals are addressed from the outset of the lesson and that they

Snowsports Responsibility Code, pacing the learning segment, negotiating

have the ability to renegotiate them at anytime. Creating an open and positive

realistic goals and expectations and managing the groups movement

environment will contribute to lessons being fun while remaining relevant to a

throughout the lesson.

students wants and needs.

Self-fulfillment
needs
self-actualization
achieving ones full
potential, including
creative activities
esteem needs
prestige and feelings of accomplishment

Psychological
needs

belongings and love needs

intimate relationships, friends
safety needs
security, safety

Basic
needs

physiological needs
food, water, warmth, rest

Maslows Hierarchy of Needs

1.2

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11

1.2

self esteem
This refers to the need to be accepted by others as well as the belief that

1.3 the learning process

one can achieve. Identifying wants and needs, negotiating and agreeing upon
achievable goals within a given time frame is the main role of the instructor

Learning physical skills requires movements to be assembled, component-

in creating an environment that encourages self esteem. To facilitate the

by-component, using feedback to shape and master them into until they

development of a students confidence the instructor must use positive,

become natural, almost unconscious reactions to the mountain environment.

constructive feedback that is relevant to the negotiated goals. Success,

This is a process that requires repetition, trial and error and internal and

however small, must be celebrated.

external feedback.

self-actualisation

Teaching skiing is developing the skilful blending of fore/aft, rotational,

This is the desire to progress further, to drive forward or to achieve. When

lateral and vertical movements to affect the skis while sliding. There

other lower needs are met, the student generally has the ability to assess

are many psychological goals involving a students motivation, and

and manage their needs, leading to a productive and exciting learning

understanding these determines and affects skills to be developed during the

environment. Students operating at this level will often be proactively

lesson. Knowing when to practice existing movements and when to introduce

communicative about desires while engaged in the learning environment.

new ones is key to the productive pacing of a lesson.

The instructor must be constantly aware, engaged and flexible to create

inspirational experiences for the self-actualised student.

Fitts and Posner (Human Performance 1967) developed a theory that suggests
learning movements is a sequential process. Mastering a skill can be broken
down into three distinct phases. As students pass through each phase they
demonstrate specific behaviours that an instructor can recognise.
Fitts & Posners Model for Motor Skill Development suggests the following:
Cognitive phase
Identification and development of the component parts of the skill involves
formation of a mental picture of the skill.
Associative phase
Linking the component parts into a smooth action - involves guided
practicing of the skill and utilising feedback to master the skill.
Autonomous phase
Developing the learned skill so that it becomes automatic involves little or
no conscious thought or attention while performing the skill. Note that not
all students reach this stage.

1.2

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13

1.3

1.3.1 cognitive phase

1.3.2 associative phase

When students are introduced to a new movement or task, their main objective

Once students have determined an effective way of producing the same result

is to understand what is being asked of them. This involves forming a mental

and therefore achieved repeated success, they have entered the associative

picture of the skill or movement. During this phase the student will develop and

phase. During this phase the student takes this newly learned skill or task and

try possible strategies for success through a process of trial and error and feedback

begins to master it through experimentation with subtle changes.

and trial. This process requires considerable mental activity and concentration.
Good strategies are retained and inappropriate ones are quickly discarded.
During this process of trial and error the students new movements are generally
inconsistent, slightly confused and by no means smooth. This is usually because
the student is going through a process of trial and error meeting various
degrees of success along the way. The simplest way for a student to create an

of the student. At a beginner level this phase can last hours, at an upper
level, many days or weeks. The student gradually produces small changes in
movement patterns that will allow more effective performance.
Example

demonstrations are important throughout this phase. Accurate, specific and

Once students can perform a gliding wedge with some degree of success

consistent feedback is necessary throughout this phase because the student has

they have created a functional mental image of the task and an ability

not fully associated positive movements with positive results. During this stage an

to execute it. From this point they begin to refine and master individual

instructor can expect the most dramatic improvements in a students performance.

components of the new skill. They might be balanced slightly aft creating

A student attempting a wedge for the first time. The wedge has been
explained, demonstrated and the key feelings highlighted. As students
receive the information they begin to form a mental picture of what they are
trying to learn. Despite the information received their first attempt is often
inaccurate. The wedge may be asymmetrical, the student is often off-balance

muscle fatigue in the thighs. Students associate this feeling with being aft,
creating a basic understanding of this cause and effect relationship.
Through this process of association students learn ways of self-correcting.
Progress at this stage still uses a considerable amount of mental energy due
to creating relationships between the mental picture and a physical outcome.
Because movements are more refined, progress is considerably slower than

laterally or the skis may shoot out from under them and they lose balance.

during the cognitive stage. Guided practice, allowing for mistakes and the

From here the instructor provides feedback, generally something simple that

phase. Spending a considerable amount of time in this phase is important

will enhance a students performance. The student then attempts the wedge

for learning to take place.

again, trying a different strategy based on an enhanced mental image.

This process of trial and error and feedback and trial continues until some
form of consistency is achieved.
Cognitive Phase Characteristics
the student needs demonstrations and verbal explanations
trial and error takes place
performances are inconsistent, the instructor should expect errors
14

consistent. This phase can continue for some time depending on the level

accurate mental picture of the task is through imagery. Accurate and frequent

Example

1.3

Performance improvements are gradual and movements become more

realisation of more efficient choices, is key to success during the associative

Associative Phase Characteristics

longer than the cognitive phase, students sometimes never leave this phase
learners begin to recognise and eliminate mistakes
performances become more consistent
motor programmes are developed with sub-routines becoming more
coordinated resulting in the skill becoming smoother
the learner is able to recognise and act on relevant cues
the learner develops the ability to use kinesthetic feedback to detect
some of their errors

15

1.3

1.3.3 autonomous phase

When students produce the new movement skilfully with little thought or effort
they have reached the autonomous phase. Students demonstrate this phase by
producing the desired result almost automatically. Depending on the skill this
stage can be reached very quickly and last for a very long time, or it may take
weeks or months to achieve and may be only a fleeting experience.
This stage has the benefit of allowing students to reflect on their abilities

1.4 communication modes,

learning preferences

and the experiential
learning cycle
The goal of teaching is to create learning. While every student will have a

and alter and apply the mastered skill in a variety of terrain and conditions.

slightly different way of learning, all students will have to go through a cycle

Example

have a method of developing experiences that will be effective for a broad

A student who has mastered the wedge and can make it automatically
will maintain the use of the wedge when introduced to turning. More
accomplished skiers may however start the season with a lower skill level than
they finished with the previous season.
Through practice skills will resurface in a reasonable timeframe. This may
take minutes, hours, days or weeks. This is simply the associative process,

of experiences to learn the sport of skiing. It is important for instructors to

range of students.

1.4.1 communication modes

Communication modes characterise the different ways instructors and
students communicate and organise information and the way students
perceive it. Communication modes can be broken into three basic categories

working to regain autonomy of skills they once had.

Visual, Aural, Kinesthetic (VAK).

Autonomous Phase Characteristics

Visual, Aural, Kinesthetic (VAK) largely depicts the channels that an

the student is able to perform the skill with minimum conscious thought
and can concentrate on tactical situations

instructor uses to deliver information and a student uses to collect or

receive information.

the motor programme is established and stored in the long term memory
and is able to be recalled with little prompting
self confidence is increased and the student is able to consistently
correct performance
when feedback is given it can be specific and highlight errors to ensure
improvement
improvements are slow and if practice is not maintained the student may
return to the associative phase
Using this model for skill development will greatly help instructors pace the
information in lessons and help students master the skills of skiing.
1.3

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17

1.4

visual communication

aural communication

This refers to an instructors ability to demonstrate and create visual images

This refers to an instructors ability to explain and communicate by sound to

to guide the student.

guide the student.

Examples of visual communication

Examples of aural communication

clear demonstrations from multiple angles

clear and thorough explanations

video presentations and video playback of an individual or others skiing

nuances of speech including tone of voice

creating visual imagery including drawings

developing the use of verbal self-instruction

developing an awareness of the sounds that the skis make on the snow

Drawing on the snow is an example of visual communication

1.4

18

Clear explanations are an example of aural communication

19

1.4

kinesthetic communication

1.4.2 learning preferences

This refers to an instructors ability to develop what the student feels.

People learn to ski through experiencing the movements of skiing. They hear
Examples of kinesthetic communication

descriptions, see demonstrations and experience activities. Most people have

identifying specific sensations that a student will experience

a preferred way to process information. These preferences dictate the types

setting up movement, exercises or tasks to create specific feelings

of experiences that will be most effective for each student.

While students may have a preference for one or two of these communication

Preferences are grouped into four basic categories

modes it is important to recognise that most students will need to process

Feeling, Watching, Thinking, Doing

information through all three channels to effectively learn a new skill.

feeling
Refers to creating concrete experiences and processing new information
through activity. The instructor must be clear about the sensations the student
is to perceive, and be specific about the part of the body where the sensations
will be felt, and what it should feel like when the movement is performed
accurately. Tactile teaching (when appropriate) to guide students to a new skill
can be very effective.

Manipulating body parts is an example of kinesthetic communication

1.4

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21

1.4

WATCHING

1.4.3 the experiential learning cycle

Refers to observing what is to be learned and processing information about

new skills visually. Watching requires time to observe and reflect on those
observations to reinforce the learning experience. Clear static and moving

feeling
Concrete Experiences

demonstrations are required to ensure that all necessary skills are observed
by students.

thinking
Refers to the process of looking for the why and figuring out the how
in skills and understanding the logic for each movement. This is often
a combination of a visual and auditory process using words and images

doing
Active Experimentation

Learning Through
Experience
(David Kolb)

watching
Reflective Observation

to understand and describe movement. Students who prefer to process

information this way will often consider multiple possibilities rather than
exploring them. Skiers who prefer this style may need encouragement to try
the movements instead of discussing them.

thinking
Abstract Conceptualization

doing
Involves creating kinesthetic awareness and trial and error to actively

Learning Through Experience (David Kolb)

experiment with movement. Through experimentation people who prefer to

process information this way will find the most effective way to move. Using
the extremes of movement is a good way to help explore limits. Students
processing information this way reinforce their learning experiences by being
allowed to talk about what they discovered about the movements.
Much like the VAK model, students may be predisposed to learning in one
or more different ways, but for learning to be effective and lasting most
students will have to pass through a series of experiences. The following
diagram is an adaptation of David Kolbs experiential learning cycle. It
represents the process of moving from one category of experience to another
to create effective and lasting learning. It is important to understand that the
instructors communication mode will alter with each shift in category.

1.4

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23

1.4

1.5 teaching styles

1.5.3 task
This involves a partial shift of focus from the instructor to the student. Tasks

Teaching style refers to the method or approach the instructor uses to teach

are presented to the student which they practice on their own, stopping at

a class or individual. Teaching styles range from instructor-focused and led to

a pre-arranged meeting area. They can travel at their own speed and choose

entirely student-focused where the instructor becomes the facilitator or guide.

their own route, providing more freedom during the learning process. The

independence from the instructor begins to evolve.

Understanding the students level, developmental stage and preferred style of

processing information will help the instructor choose the best teaching style

1.5.4 reciprocal

to achieve the negotiated goals.

This involves creating situations where students work with one another to

common teaching styles

observe, co-operate and potentially provide feedback. In this style of teaching

the learning is generated through the co-operative efforts of multiple students.
An example is when a student performs a task that is set by the instructor as

1.5.1 command
This focuses on the instructor and the subject. This style of teaching is
used when the instructor takes total control of the learning process making
all decisions and controlling all variables, specifying when, where and how
as well as delivering all the feedback. The instructor determines the social
and emotional climate of the class. This format is most effective during a
beginner lesson when all movements introduced are new to the student.

1.5.2 skiing approach

the partner observes, giving immediate feedback and reinforcement, with the
guidance of the instructor. Another example is using a paired exercise, such as
having one student pull on another students poles from a downhill position,
to develop edging and lateral balance. This style is most effective when the
students have a certain level of knowledge, and it requires care and planning
in setting clear parameters and expectations. The level of independence from
the instructor continues to evolve.

1.5.5 guided discovery

This is an effective way to introduce new concepts; it entails describing the

This is a student-centred method where the instructor guides the student

outcome to the skiers (setting a goal) and then providing a brief verbal, visual

toward a specific goal or outcome without specific instructions. The

and/or kinesthetic description to try and achieve the goal and then letting the

instructor creates experiences to slowly, gradually and securely lead the

skiers have a go. Once the skiing approach has been attempted a progression

student to the desired result. Each step is based on the response or outcome

can be developed to help achieve the goal. An example of a skiing approach

from the previous steps. The instructor waits for answers and realisations

would be to ask a student who is comfortable making a gliding wedge to

to be generated by the student rather than providing definitive answers to

make some slight direction changes. The instructor would give a small

them. Guidance may include exercises and situations to lead the student to

piece of information, such as point your toes where you want to go give a

discover the intended movement or sensation. Because the student discovers

demonstration and then let the students try it. Once attempted the instructor

or realises what is to be learned, guided discovery can lead to definitive and

is able to then provide further information and develop a progression to

truly lasting learning experiences.

encourage the skiers to turn their legs to make direction changes.

1.5

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1.5

1.5.6 problem solving

1.6 progression building

This is also a student-centred approach where the instructor poses a problem

to be solved by the student. The main difference between this and guided

When a new concept is introduced (movement, skill, co-ordination) to

discovery is that in problem solving the instructor should expect a number

students it needs to be presented in a linear manner so that it is easy to

of effective solutions to be realised. The student is expected to seek out

understand and perform. Generally the concept is explained, demonstrated

answers, working within a framework set by the instructor. This teaching style

and then attempted by the student prior to developing it. All new concepts

is used when the instructor wishes to emphasise a variety of solutions to a

should be developed through a linear progression. A progression in ski

single problem. This style seeks to develop the ability to find alternatives,

teaching is something that develops a skill from simple to complex and

explore them and select the appropriate ones. It promotes experimentation

eventually integrates the new skill into the students freeskiing. The following

and versatility.

model is a basic method of organising activities in a simple to complex

manner.

1.5.7 individual
static
This demonstrates the complete independence of the student. The subject

Introducing the concept in its simplest form such as a stationary exercise or

or information is manipulated in a manner so that it provides the skier with

a vivid description.

full opportunity for self-motivated learning, self-assessment and decision

making.

active
Putting the static exercise or description into motion. This is often

To teach effectively it is important to apply the appropriate mix of styles in

done in a situation that is comfortable for the student and does not require

any given situation and through the course of a lesson many teaching styles

tactical considerations.

may be used. As the information evolves and the students demonstrate more
autonomy of a given skill the instructor needs to alter the teaching style to

complex

promote continued growth and development.

Putting the concept or movement into basic turns or a level of skiing below
the students level of free skiing. This is important because students learn
accuracy by practicing new skills below their personal speed and dynamic
threshold.

whole
Take it skiing! Explore, play and discover the learning!

1.5

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1.6

1.7 teaching model

ask the students if there are any immediate concerns before heading away
from the meeting area
equipment should be checked ensuring that it is suitable for the level and

The teaching model outlines practical steps that will create successful

the size of the student and in safe working order

learning experiences for students. This adaptable guideline can be used in a

linear or cyclical form. The teaching model is comprised of eight points.

To facilitate a positive environment:

a positive and professional approach by the instructor will begin to

introduction
skier analysis
negotiating goals

establish rapport and trust

the instructors body language and tone of voice are important elements.

Positive body language should include smiling, being open and relaxed

making eye contact and displaying good listening skills

create a safe, fun, open and supportive learning environment. The sooner
the student feels at ease and has confidence in the instructor, the sooner

lesson plan

learning will begin

presenting information
guided practice
checking for
understanding

2. skier analysis
To create a great learning experience an instructor needs to know what level
students are at and why they are taking the lesson. Without the what the
instructor does not know where to start, without the why the instructor

summary

does not know where to go with the lesson. The two basic ways to assess a
student is to watch them ski and ask questions.

The Teaching Model

1. introduction

What
what is the students current level?

The introduction sets the tone for the lesson. The initial meeting between

student and instructor creates a lasting impression. It is important that this

how do the students skis move through the snow?

is positive and provides a basis for a good student/instructor relationship.

this includes speed, terrain and comfort level

this includes turn shape and turn type

what are the movements of the body that create this?

Some important practical tasks that will start to establish rapport and create

this includes the movements of the body and how they blend

a positive learning environment include:

and co-ordinate

introduce oneself clearly and courteously and ensure that everyone in the

what is the students current understanding of skiing?

group knows each others names

outline the lesson product, how it will be organised, the time frame and

Why

confirm the finishing place

why have they come to the lesson?

what does the student want to learn?

1.7

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1.7

This assessment enables the instructor to produce a lesson focused on the

Prioritising needs

students wants and needs at any level. Assessment must be a continual

Based on the analysis of the student and the agreed upon goal, the instructor

process as the needs and wants may change as the students progress.

will have to choose a starting point for the progressions. The order in which
needs are prioritised should be addressed from simple to complex.

3. negotiating goals
A goal is the aim, intention, objective or purpose of a person or group of

Linear approach

people. Great lessons need goals to make the direction of the lesson clear.

A linear approach refers to building one step on top of the next. The easiest

Goals must be negotiated, not prescribed, to be relevant to the students.

task should be achieved first with the next step leading on from this. Each

step should introduce and include a new concept (movement, skills, co-

Determining goals is a blend of what the student wants (motivations) and

ordination).

what the student needs (movements and understandings). Both are assessed
through skier analysis.

Terrain selection

Appropriate terrain choice is essential to the students progress, both

When establishing goals the following areas should be considered:

psychologically and physically. Students will not learn effectively if they are

goals should be specific and based on students wants and needs.

too physically challenged or feel unsafe.

This will give incentive and clear direction for the lesson

goals must be attainable for the time period of the lesson and skill level

The following areas need to be considered:

of the student. This will set the students up for success accomplishing

the degree of challenge that the terrain presents for the student

the goal makes the experience enjoyable and will motivate students

slope angle of the hill

goals need to be moderately challenging. This will progress the student

snow conditions and terrain variations

and facilitate a feeling of accomplishment. If the goals are too high

traffic patterns and crowds

students can become frustrated, if they are too low they may

weather conditions which may change the level of challenge

become bored

goals should be short-term and build on each other to achieve long-term

Pacing Information

success. Short-term goals provide an immediate incentive, as they allow

For students to learn effectively, information must be paced according to

the student to experience early success. Short-term goals will also allow

their ability to absorb it. The following concepts should be considered:

flexibility in the lesson plan

it is easier to process small amounts of information

goals should be effort based wherever possible (controlled by the level

It is easier to understand information within a concept or common theme

of effort put in by the student) rather than outcome based (measured by

than it is to understand blending of multiple concepts

the outcome or results) so students have complete control of their success

information about skiing needs to be experienced to be understood.

Planned activities need to create different types of experiences using

4. lesson plan

similar information

This is the series of steps or activities that the instructor plans to achieve
the negotiated goals. When planning the lesson the following areas need to
be considered:
1.7

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1.7

Time Management

Demonstrations made by the instructor are an important part of presenting

To achieve the negotiated goals the plan needs to fit within the time frame

information and complement any verbal cues. Static demonstrations

allowed. The following concepts should be considered:

are effective when focusing on a particular phase of the turn. Moving

length of the lesson

demonstrations are effective while skiing towards and away from the class.

time needed to present material and practice

The instructor can demonstrate while students are following, however this

lift rides and lift lines

will only benefit the student directly behind.

5. presenting information

When presenting information it is important to constantly assess the learning

The instructor is required to present information more than once and often

environment to avoid or overcome learning barriers that may affect the ability

presents the same information in different ways.

of students to understand.

Although students generally use a combination of learning preferences

6. guided practice

to process information they are likely to have a bias towards one or two.

This is the part of the teaching model where the information is processed

Instructors must use a variety of communication modes to ensure students

and refers to the instructor guiding the process by offering feedback.

process information. They must also match teaching styles to the level of the
student and the complexity of the concept to be learned. Initially using an

Time

explanation, demonstrating and letting students have a go, will communicate

Practice should take a large portion, if not the majority of the lesson,

all options for receiving the information.

depending on how quickly the student absorbs and learns the information.
During this time students will practice through repetition as the instructor

The following areas need to be considered:

guides the effort to achieve the desired result. The instructor should ensure

the presentation must be technically accurate

there is plenty of time and enough flexibility in the lesson plan to make

the instructor should accurately describe and show what the student is

adjustments.

to learn
the instructor should explain and show why it is desirable to have

Guiding the practice

certain skills

Consideration needs to be given to:

the instructor should explain and demonstrate how this new skill is to

class management. Various ways to manage the class on the snow will

be accomplished

achieve differing results, e.g.

the presentation needs to be clear, concise and delivered in an

managing the group as a whole, such as following the instructor, will

organised manner

benefit the turn shape of the students who are directly following

progressions should be organised in a linear manner

skiing one at a time will allow students to work individually on a

particular focus

The pacing and amount of information needs to be driven and adapted by

tasks, exercises and teaching styles that are appropriate to the skill level

the students capacity to receive it.

and encourage development

1.7

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1.7

 appropriate terrain and speed need to be selected. An increase in terrain

This process requires the use of a number of senses including:

and speed are also elements of effective practice time and can be used to
challenge and test the success of the guided practice

Observe

feedback

The instructor can watch students perform the task and evaluate the level of

understanding by their performance. It is important not to depend solely on

Feedback is essential during practice time to guide the success of the

this evaluation to determine the students understanding because they may

student and has two main functions information and motivation.

mimic a task but have insufficient understanding to repeat the manoeuvre.

The two main ways in which feedback is received are intrinsic and extrinsic:

Ask

intrinsic feedback is received internally. Students use their senses to

The instructor needs to ask open questions that require a detailed answer

determine how they have executed a skill or movement. Intrinsic feedback

and promote conversation. By asking students to describe what is happening

develops students self-awareness and ultimately gives them the ability to

or what they are doing and feeling allows an assessment of the students

control their own performance when they practice on their own. This type

understanding.

of feedback usually comes through seeing, feeling and hearing sensations

extrinsic feedback is received externally. This can be given in a number of

Listen

ways but is most effective when it is positive or motivational, well timed

The instructor needs to listen carefully to answers to questions. Descriptions

or immediate, relevant to the task, precise and delivered in a constructive

that students provide often identify the cause of a problem a student is

manner with solutions on how to improve

experiencing. Listening carefully to the student at all times during the

lesson, will provide the instructor with feedback, even when a question is not

An example is the sandwich technique. This is when the instructor

being specifically asked, e.g. A student could complain about cramp under

commends - recommends - commends. The commending will have the

the foot. This could indicate that they are not balanced effectively along the

effect of being positive and motivational. The recommend must be precise

length of the ski.

and constructive.

The body of the lesson is constantly revolving. Points two seven are interactive

The instructors feedback (extrinsic) should be focused on developing

and repetitive. Instructors are constantly assessing the student, readjusting the

student performance and self awareness (intrinsic).

goals of the lesson, planning, presenting information, practicing and checking

for understanding.

7. checking for understanding

Checking for understanding is when the instructor receives feedback from
the student to gain a clear picture of the students level of understanding.
The instructor uses this feedback to assess the students ability to repeat
the performance away from the lesson situation or to move on to new
information.

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8. summary
The summary at the end of the lesson is the instructors opportunity to review
what has been achieved.
Important points to include are:
review the lesson starting with the goals and the steps that students have
taken to reach their current performance. This part of the teaching model

NOTES

becomes particularly important when varying teaching styles are used,

because the steps the instructor has undertaken may not be immediately
obvious to the students
reinforce any changes in terrain and/or situations and the focus areas to
handle those changes
offer guidance on how and what to practice independently, including
terrain and snow conditions. This will allow students to repeat and
continue the development they made during the lesson
make students aware of their current level. They should finish the lesson
with an understanding of the next step in their development as well as
what products are available to them. It is important for the instructor to
be aware of the current ski school products

Teaching high quality, well structured lessons benefits both students and
instructors. In a group or private situation use of the teaching model will
help provide a successful learning experience.

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