ACC Path to Instructor Certification

 

Discovery Workshop and pre-IDW mentoring

as presented Rendezvous 2004 (2.5 hours)

1. Present a brief explanation of the instructor certification process used by ACC (45-60 min)
   • ACC expectations
   • ACA Instructor Criteria
   • IDW/ICE method is show and evaluate, time generally isn't available for practice.
2. Show demonstration quality control on the lake. Goal is self discovery, rather than teaching: (60 min)
   • Forward and Reverse in straight line
   • Inside Circle
   • Shifts
3. Evaluate and encourage participants to acquire mentor and prepare for IDW (30min)
   • Intro or list of ACC instructors
   • ACC and ACA websites for info, books, and videos.

Five Expectations for Instructor Candidates in an Arkansas Canoe Club sponsored Instructor Certification Workshop are:

1. ACC sponsors Instructor Development and Certification Workshops to provide more Instructors to teach in Whitewater School, Rendezvous, and in local chapter events. The ICWs are expensive and require a lot of support by the Club, those who participate in an ICW emerge as better paddlers and better teachers. In return, they are expected to get out and teach in Whitewater School and other club events.

    

2. The candidate should be a fairly good paddler who has had several days of formal instruction and a reasonable amount of experience in type. Success at certification is closely linked to both amount and quality of recent instruction.

    

3. For IDW/ICE sponsored and subsidized by ACC, candidates who are active members of the club with a history of supporting club activities get priority on available openings. We encourage potential instructors to assist experienced, certified instructors in a class or two before entering an Instructor Development Workshop (IDW)

    

4. Most of our emphasis is on river paddling, so recent participation in aSwiftwater Rescue course, current CPR training, and Wilderness First Aid Training are all strongly recommended.

    

5. Certification isn't about paddling big water, but is about pretty good paddlers who can teach, and make others feel safe on the water. The challenges of certification are much different that what many expect and are best met with several months of focused practice and preparation before enrolling in an IDW. ACC encourages all potential candidates to ask an experienced club Instructor to mentor and assist development of the skills and knowledge needed for certification.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in safety awareness, general technical knowledge, paddling, teaching, and interpersonal skills. Administrative requirements such as minimum age, dues, and maintenance are covered in the Policy Manual.

Safety Awareness

Evaluation System:
• Observation of teaching and class interactions. Alertness for the well being of others is an especially important trait.

   

• *Essentials of River candidates must possess knowledge of safety concerns and the ability to communicate them and apply them on water below class II. As well as perform necessary rescues and recoveries on class I moving water. --REQUIRED TO PASS--

   

• *WW candidates must do all the above and apply them to class II, including the rescues and recoveries on class II --REQUIRED TO PASS--

   

Technical Knowledge

Evaluation System:
• Observation of teaching and class interactions. Experience is a big part of this. First year paddlers, or paddlers out of touch can be weak in this area.

   

• Essentials of River candidates should be familiar with basic river running maneuvers including eddy turns, peel outs and ferries. They should also have a general knowledge of paddle sport.

   

• WW candidates should have the same knowledge as above but in more depth.

   

• 70% standard or Correctly demonstrated 7 out of 10 times.

Paddling:

Essentials of River candidates should be able to move the boat effectively on water below class II. This includes the ability to do eddy turns, peel outs and ferries. At this level technique is not as important as long as the candidates can effectively maneuver on the river, and perform necessary rescues.

Evaluation System:
• We are looking for a 70% standard, with solid boat control.
• Student needs to demonstrate quality at least 70% of the time for each skill.

WW candidates should be competent class II paddlers and able to demonstrate high quality boat control in class III water. Kayakers must have reliable river roll. Demonstrate ability to model efficient technique, and to rescue paddlers and capsized boats. Skills and experience oriented.

Evaluation System:
• We are looking for a 70% standard, with high quality boat control. High quality boat control means making the moves with demonstration quality. In other words paddling with grace, control, and mental tranquility, not just surviving.
• Boat control includes balance, good modeling strokes, lines (angles and momentum), and water reading.
  Good modeling skills are important:
  • slow it down to 1/2 speed, PAUSE at transitions
  • Exaggerate lean/rotate/stretch by factor of two...make it obvious
  • Be very complete in range of motion...no shortcuts.
    Videotaping is highly recommended for the IDW/ICE.
• 70% Standard, i.e. student needs to demonstrate quality at least 70% of the time for each skill

Teaching Skills;

Essential River and WW Candidates

This includes logistics, lesson organization, class control, teaching of specific technical topics, technique analysis, and demonstration of leadership skills and judgment. Familiarity with a variety of teaching methods to address various learning styles.

Evaluation System:
• Two minute Mini Talks: Generally equipment oriented. Allows class to discuss wide range of information. In reality, very similar to the way you will actually teach.

   

• Five minute Prepared Talks: Your topics are to be presented to beginners. The time limit forces prioritization. In a normal class, these topics would link together to form information for a class. We are looking for quality content. You may use notes, and you prioritize what to mention. Ask your IT for help with what to cover. You are encouraged to use resources such as books, videos, and classmates.

   

• We will know a quality presentation because it keeps our attention! Stress creative presentations, not just lectures. Involve the class! Each topic is debriefed on presentation style and content with feedback from the class.

   

• 70% Standard

ACA Interpersonal Skills and Professionalism

Interpersonal skills and professionalism for ACA instructors are described as:
1. Establishing a positive learning environment open to a variety of viewpoints.
2. Clarity in communication skills, which include the ability to listen well and to be inclusive of others.
3. Ability to provide feedback in an accurate and encouraging manner.
4. Exudes and inspires confidence by setting an enthusiastic teaching example.
5. Observes the "respect people at all times" principle.
6. Open mindedness that avoids dogmatism and encourages innovation.
7. Personally receives feed back in a positive manner.
8. Respectful of other Instructors opinions and being open to alternative ways of doing things.
9. Controlling ones behavior.
10. Is an ambassador for the ACA and presents the ACA in a positive light.
11. Conducts business in a professional manner, i.e. fills out all necessary paperwork for the ACA office, reports classes, maintains membership, -all in a timely manner.

The ACA needs instructors that represent the instruction program's positive approaches to education. This positive image is one key to our long-term success. A lot of the issues that involve complaints concerning instructors revolve around this "interpersonal skill" topic.

More on the Evaluation Process

Instructor Trainers vary in the difficulty of their courses, just like college professors vary in reputation. In addition, ACA course vary by region, and the background of the instructor (slalom, rodeo, river running, teaching background outside paddle sport, teaching background in paddle sport).

Therefore, IT's face a continual self-evaluation process to figure out where they fall in the spectrum between requiring safety and competence to pass, or requiring higher end technical skills.

IT's are encouraged to use checklists, and videotape and peer feedback to track performance in each area. Sample checklists are available from ITE's and the ACA website. Candidates are encouraged to look over these check list to get a sense of what the general standard is and how things are evaluated.