How People Learn covers some of the core elements of how and why people learn. Creating an environment where people are able to learn is more important than the technical aspects of skiing (or any activity). Understand and discover more about how people process information and develop skills.
Control of Their Path
Giving students control of their path allows them the autonomy to choose the direction and pace of their learning. It involves empowering students to take ownership of their learning experience, providing them the freedom to explore ways of achieving the goals they have set.
The instructor’s role is to provide the necessary resources and support for students to achieve their outcomes and goals.
For discovery and lasting learning to occur, students need the flexibility and freedom to safely explore and experiment with new concepts. This requires students to have a large part in controlling various aspects of the learning environment.
Why Control Matters
Learning can be an intimidating process—students may feel helpless if they don’t have the required skills for an activity, especially in a new environment. When taking a lesson, students put their trust in their instructor. As students gain skills, they will become more independent. It is the instructor’s responsibility to recognize this and allow students to gradually take control of their path.
Aspects Students Should Control
Students should have control over the following elements:
The direction of the lesson.
Example
Your students are trying to make shallow wedge turns for the first time, but they are struggling. After two attempts of the activity, you ask:
“Do you want to try that again?”
They could respond:
- “I’m finding that hard, could you show me another way?”
- “Yes, I think I’m getting it, I just need to do it again!”
By giving students control of their path, they become more invested in their learning, take ownership of their progress, and are more likely to be engaged and motivated.
