What Shouldn’t Influence Your Training Approach as an Instructor?

What Shouldn’t Influence Your Training Approach as an Instructor?

When it comes to training—as in life—sometimes the biggest challenges come from inside. You know what I'm talking about? Personal biases and preferences might seep into your instructional style without you even realizing it. But here's the kicker: your personal preferences shouldn't dictate your training approach. This is especially true for diving instructors under the SSI Assistant Instructor Certification, where student safety and learning experiences are paramount.

The Students Come First, Always

Let's face it, every student brings a unique background to the table. Some might have previous diving experience—perhaps they’ve ascended from a pool in their backyard to the ocean's depths—while others are just starting their underwater journey. Understanding each student's prior experience is crucial! A seasoned diver might be ready for advanced techniques, whereas a newbie might need their hand held through the basics.

Why does this matter? Because a successful instructor tailors their teaching style to the students, not the other way around. Just think about the last time you learned something new. It was likely more beneficial when the instructor addressed your needs, wasn’t it?

Don’t Forget About Risks

Another biggie? The potential risks involved in diving. That includes everything from equipment failure to unexpected wildlife encounters. Instructors must assess these risks seriously and adapt their teaching accordingly. After all, safety first! Whether it’s incorporating extra safety drills or adjusting lesson plans based on environmental conditions, the key here is the instructor's obligations. Risk assessment isn't just a checkbox on some form—it should be part of the very fabric of your training strategy.

Feedback Matters, So Pay Attention!

But wait, we also can't overlook feedback from previous lessons. Each class and each student gives you valuable insights. They might let you know you've explained something too quickly or that they didn’t quite grasp a technique. This feedback helps inform future sessions and ensures you continuously improve. Does it ever stop to amaze you how much you can learn from your students? Their experiences can highlight areas of improvement that might not even be on your radar.

Leave Personal Preferences at the Door

Now, let's circle back to the big issue at hand—personal preferences. What I mean is, your personal diving likes, dislikes, and experiences should not influence how you instruct others. Imagine a scenario where an instructor prefers a specific dive site that suits their comfort level, ignoring what might be best for the students. If the students need practice in calmer waters to build confidence, sticking to personal favorites won’t help them grow!

By allowing personal preferences to sneak into their teaching approach, instructors risk becoming unhelpful—or worse, harmful—to students. It compromises both the learning experience and safety, which no one wants.

The Bottom Line

So, what's the bottom line here? When diving into instructor training, the focus should always be on the students. Make your training approach a reflection of who they are and what they need. By prioritizing their experiences, considering potential risks, and carefully reflecting on feedback from past lessons, you’ll foster an environment where students thrive and learn successfully.

Next time you step into the role of an instructor, remember to check personal bias at the door. It’s all about your students—after all, diving should be about exploration, growth, and safety in the depths of the ocean.