Guest Contact

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IV Putting it all Together - What a Snowsports Instructor Does
On the snow with the guest.

With all the background you now have on the psychology of learning and teaching, how to diagnose the situation, not just movement, how to use ‘enabling language’, how to provide ‘feedback’ effectively, how to manage group dynamics, how to develop collaborative learning environments, how to plan for lessons... you are ready to put it all together and have some fun with the guest/s! Remember to look for where the guest is already skillful and to build on that!

[Comment: I didn't see any info in this manual about diagonsis or feedback, but I could have missed it.]

[Comment: There is some, but this really isn't meant to be a manual, but only rather a study guide/workbook where the 'student' finds the answers in other 'manuals' and resources. So, the concept is that by briefly discussing certain issues and asking questions, the learner will go out and research, think about it all and learn.]

A. Guest Contact

1. Introductions As a snow sports instructor, you are one of the employees on the mountain that spends the most time in direct contact with the guests. Often first impressions set the stage for future success. What will be your basic framework or model when you first meet the guest?

2. Creating Group Cohesion Many times as a new instructor, you will be instructing in group lessons. Describe how you might be able to draw out each guest and begin a dialogue amongst those in your group.

3. Developing Trust You will find that developing trust is discussed many times in the literature. One of the primary concerns of most of your guests will be safety. A common apprehension in the beginner skier is the ‘new’ factor. They do not know much about skiing and that can be worrisome, for adults as well as children.

As you begin to interact with your guests and you begin to develop a level of trust, explain how you will encourage them to feel safe and be more eager rather than apprehensive. Explain how this will help develop a trusting relationship.

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