Define what constitutes a good instructor?

[James Bond boat entry]

Sense of humour, makes the course fun and safe, face lights up when talking about diving, British instructors stick out in my mind.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

I'll throw in my 2 cents! I feel I've had great instructors for my OW, AOW, and Nitrox courses. They were very knowledgeable, easy going in temperment, patient, and really seemed interested in my learning and success.

 

[scubajcf]

I've been diving for 20 years and while I've thought about that question (how to choose an instructor?), I don't think I've really come up with an answer. I think the answer to that question is a derivative from the answer of "what makes a great diver" or "how do you know a good diver from a bad diver". Obviously, a great instructor turns out great divers! Then the selection process begins.

Stepping out of Scuba for a minute, I thought I would draw a comparable to golfing. While I enjoy golfing, I am certainly not a great golfer. Why? I know how to play. I have most of the knowledge to make it from tee number one to hole number eighteen. I've taken lessons from a professional. This is the list I came up with:

1. Passion: My passion lies in other places. Most of my spare time is spent Scuba Diving or teaching Scuba. Between my family and other occupation, that leaves very little time for anything else. Thus, golf becomes a distraction or social event more than something I passionate about doing. I know, like most people, passionate golfers. They are crazily obsessed. And, when they meet another passionate golfer, it’s like they have known each other forever. I often wonder if that is how outsiders (to Scuba) perceive Scuba Divers hanging out at our shop. Without passion, you can never really be great at whatever you’re doing.

2. Dedication: Would I go golfing in terrible conditions? Would I blow off a business meeting to go golfing? Do I dedicate myself to going out weekly (or more often) to hone my skills? Do I dedicate funds to upgrade my equipment and education? Do I dedicate much of my free time to read (books, magazines and Internet) about theories, concepts and new trends in golfing? No. Without dedication to something I am passionate about, I can never attain a level of true mastery. I can never be a great golfer.

3. Training: Above I discussed dedicating myself to honing skills. This is a huge part to becoming a great diver. Not only practicing skills, but immersing yourself in the theory behind the skills as well. It’s one thing to know how to take a mask off and put it back on; however it is completely different when you put mask removal into a real world scenario. e.g., a mask coming off in the ocean is usually preceded by a kick in the face (or a leak.). Getting back to golf, great and passionate golfers head out to the driving range religiously. During lunch, before or after work, on the weekends. Most golfers spend more time on the driving range than actually on the golf course. Do Scuba Divers spend more time running skills and drills than actually Scuba Diving? Would Tiger Woods be a great golfer if
he didn’t continue training on a driving range? Why does Tiger Woods (arguably one of the greatest golfers ever) have a coach? Should, we as divers find our mentor, our coach, to help smooth out our rough edges, just like Tiger. Yes.

4. Experience: I was having a late dinner after class last night talking with another instructor. We were talking about the proverbial “advanced diver” who hasn’t dove in ten years. Would that same person be considered an advanced golfer if he hasn’t golfed in ten years? If a golfer never played more than 1 or 2 places, would he be considered an advanced golfer? To truly bring your level of expertise up, you need to experience a vast number of environments and do it frequently. Breadth of experience on a frequent basis is the sign of a great diver.

Back to Scuba!

Above are four (of many) key elements that lead to becoming a great diver. So, how do we translate this in identifying a good instructor versus a bad instructor?

First off, you are hiring someone to train you to become a scuba diver. Thus, doing a little due diligence or interviewing is a good idea. If you are not comfortable with a person during the “interview” process, then you probably won’t be comfortable with them in a learning environment. One of the ways that I get comfortable with new divers is to do a Discover Scuba with them. Low investment for the customer (around $20) and a good way to get to know each other before investing time and money in a full blow class.

Part of the interview process is to get to know if the Instructor is a great diver. Use the four attributes listed above and whatever list you generate to determine that. Ask questions, like where have you dove? Where was the last place you went fun diving? How often does your instructor take courses (to learn new skills)? Just because he’s an instructor doesn’t mean he should stop learning. Have him/her talk about his/her mentors/role models. Talk about what makes him passionate about Scuba. Talk about equipment. How much does he own? How often does he upgrade his equipment? Would you trust a computer technician if he came to fix your computer and you found out he was still using Windows 95? You’re taking an open water class, what does he see as valuable components to that class? What does he expect his students to take out of that class? When he answers you, does he just talk about skill mechanics or does he bring it into the real world? You can guess what the right answer is here. Can you talk to one of his other students (friends who dive are great sources for finding great instructors)? What are his thoughts on advanced education? Most important, follow up with the question why. If he gives you a sales pitch and doesn’t have value sets behind the statement, then he really doesn’t have any thoughts on advanced education … just the party line.

Another thing you have to think about is how you plan on diving. Do you want to get into Photography, Wrecks, Caves, Cold Water Diving in San Diego, or maybe even a naturalist/environmental bend? Does this instructor have the skill sets to train you in the style of diving you want to pursue?

What I am really describing is someone who is a role model, a mentor, a trainer, and a good dive buddy. An instructor who can help you attain the level of diving you desire. An instructor who ‘lives the dive life’. An instructor who solidly advocates ongoing involvement and interest in your dive career (whatever that looks like).

When you find that instructor, stick to him like glue. Refer your friends and family.

On a separate note: I am a huge advocate for continuing education. It exposes divers to new skills, environments, and other divers. But most importantly, it keeps them learning, in the water and passionate about the sport. However, your instruction is only as good as (1) the effort you put into the education, (2) the instructor who is passionate about digging deep into the curriculum for that specialty.

Lastly, the shop in which you train is almost as important as the instructor. I said almost. I find the atmosphere of the shop emulates its instructor base and people who dive with them. Personally, I like a shop with character. When you walk in, you feel more like family than a customer. A shop that smells like a dive shop (figuratively). A shop where you can walk in and know any question is going to get answered by any of the staff. A shop where it’s more of experience than a shopping trip. Scuba is a recreation, a break from reality, a place where you go to escape. A shop doesn’t look like Wal Mart. It’s got flavor. Of course, you want a shop that suits your personality. If you are someone who is extraverted, you want a shop with some flair. Although, be careful you don’t sacrifice substance for socializing. If you are someone who is more reserved or introverted, you probably want a quieter shop with less flash but plenty of substance.

The good news there are lots of shops in town and each is very good in its own way. This many shops also provide a lot of diversity and a true menu from which to select.

My two cents: Hope this helps.

How to choose a Scuba Instructor - Academy of Scuba, Phoenix, AZ

 

[D_B]

Patience.
Truly loves the sport; that's infectious and motivating.
The ability to help a student to reach goals that are set just a shade higher than what the student thinks they can achieve.
Pays attention to a student's current ability and sets goals relative to the individual.
Tells you what you did right as well as what you did wrong and provides time to improve.
Ber :lilbunny:

A good instructor is one that actually instructs, not just tests you on your skills. Like AmBer says has the patience and a passion for both diving and teaching. A good instructor wants you to leave with the same passion and excitement they have. One that when you are finished, all you want to do is go out and work on the skills they taught you.

To find a good instructor is another challenge.

My instructor is all of the above
He will not pass you until he thinks your a safe diver, and thereby will have fun diving, and, he will spend whatever time necessary with each person to achieve that goal without charging more .. his enthusiasm for diving and the sea is infectious and makes you want to learn.


Walter's post is a good one (I still think it should be a sticky) ... http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/3771603-post5.html

Great post scubajcf !

 

[divechk]

A good instructor is an instructor who:
1. can explain the material/ teach the skill in a way the student can fully understand and digest;
2. is patient, enthusiastic and passionate about what they are teaching;
3. is on time and on schedule, and available - goes with student's pace [they are behind because the student doesn't understand something not because of the instructor's busy schedule or etc- and, available to answer the 2000th question];
4. does not pressure you to take other courses when you are not ready;
5. no. of dives.

 

[ucfdiver]

5. no. of dives.

To an extent. I've taken classes with 4 different instructors, and the most experienced was the worst, and the two in the middle of the experience range were the best. I've also got a friend who's considering becoming an instructor who has helped tons of divers and I'd recommend anyone to be his first student.

 

[dwhthediver]

This thread is really interesting to me, as an instructor, I have to find a way for students to learn the skills without adding stress, and explain what we are doing and WHY they are learning something, I have to impart knowledge without appearing to be arrogant, or condescending and be patient with ALL students, as everyone learns at a different pace. I think the 2 highest compliments an instructor can receive are a student telling you how comfortable and easy to learn you made the class, and take more classes and request you, and tell you that they want to be just like you in the water. Calle, I tell all students that there are times that I wil be holding the strap on their bc during skills, but NEVER do I do anything untoward, and pay special attention to women to make sure that they don't get the impression of a "cheap feelsky" if an instructor made you feel that uncomfortable, talk to the shop owner, I would be willing to bet you are not alone. I love the input from everyone who posted, and I agree with so much of it, you have to love the sport, and I make sure I take thetime to remember why I started diving and divefor fun as much as my job and teaching schedule allow. I don't do instruction for the money, I have a real job, I do it to share my love of the underwater world with other who want to become part of the best club in the world...DIVERS!! I have had students take multiple classes from me, and recommend me to their friends, and have told me they can tell how much I love the sport because of the way my face lights up when I talk diving, and that makes me feel great. Last one in the water is...last, have fun, blow bubbles and enjoy the view.

 

[TSandM]

The keys to teaching ANYTHING are that you have to understand your subject at a level where you can explain it in a simple and articulate manner. For a physical activity, you have to understand the biomechanics of what someone is trying to do, and be able to analyze WHY they are having problems, and WHAT they can do about them. Although a number of sports can be taught, and taught well, by people who are not superb at them (or perhaps cannot do them any more at all), I think scuba is different, because of the fact that you cannot TALK to the student underwater. For this reason, I think the instructor must have excellent skills AND demonstrate them to the students. (And by that, I don't mean demonstration quality skills on one's knees, either )

Similarly, all instructors need patience, humor, an ability to read the student, and a love for the thing being taught. Instructors need to believe in their students as well -- believe that they are capable of more than they think they are, and ask them for it. That will often result in people achieving well beyond what they thought their limits were.

I also believe a good instructor at anything is more concerned with whether the student is learning than whether he's making money. Which is not to say that good instructors shouldn't make money -- I have paid simply ridiculous sums for world class instruction in a variety of areas. But if the instructor's just checking off boxes on a sheet to get his paycheck, he's not teaching well. In scuba, I think it's critical that instructors have standards, and remember that they are teaching people to do something which can kill them if they do it badly. Not everyone should pass a certification class, and certainly any number should not pass in the minimum time (I was one of those).

And finally, a really superb instructor can make you work your butt off at something and have fun doing it. That kind of ability to inspire is rare and priceless, but we can all aspire to some of it.

 

[leapfrog]

1. Has both life experience as well as diving experience.
2. Is a role model.
3. Stays current with standards, new types of equipment, own diving, etc.
4. Continues their education (doesn't just stop after an IE).
5. Knows how to listen.
6. Great psychologist.
7. Excellent sense of humor.
8. Relaxed, cool, never raises voice to gain attention.
9. Has dived EVERYWHERE.
10. Is an instructor with more than one agency.
11. Total mastery of dive theory.
12. Stays in contact after your course.
13. Understands it's recreational not a military elimination process.
14. Polite.
15. Flexible to student's needs.
16. Prefers to be conservative on all safety issues.
17. Sells you what you NEED not what suits his/her pocket.
18. Is clear and concise in word and action.
19. Respects divers and instructors from other agencies and backgrounds.
20. No untoward relationships with students.

 

[Ber Rabbit]

A question for you leapfrog, why does a good instructor have to teach for more than one agency?
Ber :lilbunny: