6 replies to this topic

[mlmarlow]

What tricks have instructors used to get students over learning challenges. This also goes to non-instructors, what problems have you had and what did your instructor do to help you get past them. For example, I have had a few students that were nervous about flooding and clearing their mask. When I demonstrated the skill, I would notice an increase in breathing rate on those students as they anticipated having to perform the skill. To get them over this, after they had successfully performed the skill, when it was coming time to repeat the skill, I wouldn't demonstrate it at first, I would just go to that student and have them do it with no preparation. Without the time to worry about it, they are able to perform the skill flawlessly.

Mike

[annasea]

Nice topic, Mike!

I had a hell of a time learning how to swim underwater for my NAUI OW prerequisite. I took private lessons (with two instructors), I practiced like mad in the pool on my own and with the help of a lifeguard until I tried her patience, and still I struggled.

I shared my woes with my OW instructor, and he suggested I not worry about it and concentrate on surface swimming instead. Fine.

So there I am in cave country in my instructor's pool and it's underwater swim time. Well, it was just so simple! How? He broke it down into baby steps...

1. Drop right down and (almost) touch the bottom of the pool with your hands.
2. Push off with both feet.
3. Glide.
4. Kick and pull.
5. Glide.

And that was it! It seems silly in hindsight, but no one suggested 1 and 2.

[mlmarlow]

Great example, it is amazing how simple some things become when you break them down in to easily attainable steps. One of the things I am thankful to the instructors who brought me up to the instructor level for is the attitude that it isn't the student's problem. I just haven't figured out how to teach that student the skill. I have come up with many different ways to teach some of the skills where students regularly have difficulty, and I am sure I will come up with some more along the way.

Mike

[ScubaDadMiami]

I'll tell all of my tricks . . . for the right price.

[WreckWench]

Great topic!


Claustraphobic Tricks:

1. Wear as loose fitting suit as you can and still stay warm.
2. When wearing a hood pull the chin guard UNDER the chin to allow more face to be exposed.
3. Don't wear a suit that is too small. In addition to poor circulation you'll feel more restricted and confined.
4. When starting to descend, put your head in the water until you get comfortable and THEN start to descend. (This helps to feel as if the water is suffocating you.)

[Bubbles]

Great topic!


Claustraphobic Tricks:

1. Wear as loose fitting suit as you can and still stay warm.
2. When wearing a hood pull the chin guard UNDER the chin to allow more face to be exposed.
3. Don't wear a suit that is too small. In addition to poor circulation you'll feel more restricted and confined.
4. When starting to descend, put your head in the water until you get comfortable and THEN start to descend. (This helps to feel as if the water is suffocating you.)

Thanks Kamala for these pointers! I could have used them this past weekend, when I dove in cold water and tried to use a hood and gloves. I felt really claustraphobic, and also felt that I had trouble breathing and it was probably the chin guard. I eventually ditched them both, and that helped a lot....my head and fingers were cold but that was minor compared to the claustraphobia. It certainly was much different diving from what I experienced in Grenada!!!



Beth