first class

[MB]

You've gotten lots of good tips. Some are concrete and specific, while others are suggestions for how you approach the class in general.

I agree about having fun. If you aren't enjoying the class, the students won't either - worse, they won't learn much.

Second, you really should teach what you know. If you're not tuned in to a topic, get into it before you teach it.

Third, get and stay organized. Your students may very well expect that they hired a professional, and you should assure them thay they have by not thinking, teaching, and being disorganized.

Analyze your teaching when you finish each session. What did you do that hit a home run, and what will you change next time.

Keep your students engaged. If they aren't interacting with the info, they aren't learning much.

Finally, don't let a minor slip or error ruin you. We all slip up. Correct it, do better, and move on.

Good luck with the class. Enjoy!

 

[MikeFerrara]

Wow, this a little harsh don't you think? I am glad you know your material, but everyone has to have their first class and being a little nervous is normal.[/QUOTE\

Harsh how? All I did was describe what works for me.

 

[SubMariner]

Get a good DM to help you.

Better yet, start TRAINING some DMCs so you can have some good DMs!

 

[NEWreckDiver]

Wow, this a little harsh don't you think? I am glad you know your material, but everyone has to have their first class and being a little nervous is normal.[/QUOTE\

Harsh how? All I did was describe what works for me.

I am not sure what I was thinking. I just went back read this again and it sounds reasonable to me now.

Actually, It was quite lovely. Sorry.

 

[Ber Rabbit]

Glad the class went well! I've only been teaching for a year so I know what you mean about thinking you're forgetting something! Just wait until you start getting a bunch of students with medical problems--AAARGH! Sometimes I think I should go to medical school just so I can decide if a student's doctor is completely clueless when it comes to the dangers of diving. The medical section of this board has been a great help as has scuba-doc.com, research everything is the best advice I can give.
Ber :lilbunny: