Skiing Approach

To accurately assess what needs to be taught and communicated, an instructor needs to observe a student trying and experimenting with a new skill or movement with minimal information. A skiing approach is when an instructor briefly describes then demonstrates a skill, task, or movement then allows the student to “give it a go”. Once the skiing approach has been attempted, the instructor will have a clearer idea of the student’s skill, learning curve and what is necessary for development of greater understanding or refinement. From there, a progression can be developed to help achieve the goal.

An example of a skiing approach would be to ask a student who is comfortable making a gliding wedge to make some slight direction changes. The instructor would give a small piece of information, such as “point your skis where you want to go”, give a demonstration and then let the students try it. Once attempted, the instructor is able to then provide further information and develop a progression to encourage the skiers to turn their legs to make direction changes.

Steps in a Skiing Approach

Students will:

• Hear a brief description of what is to be attempted – note, this is “what” to attempt, not “how”
• See an example
• Give it a go!

A skiing approach should generally be the first thing a teacher tries when introducing a new skill, movement or task. Doing this often and consistently will help prevent over-teaching confusion on the part of the student, while promoting play and experimentation.