Joes approach to teaching

Ski instruction can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. We all learn in different ways and my preferred method is to tap into your way of learning and make ski instruction as simple and fun for you as I can.

Although there are many learning styles there are 3 main ways;

• Visual - Seeing/Watching
• Audio - Hearing
• Kinesthetic - Feeling

You could be a mixture of all three or any two, but most people have a dominant learning style. My job is to tap in to how best to present the information to you so that you can take it on board.

Any one recognise the following scenario?
An earnest ski instructor standing in front of a group describing in great detail the technicalities of the manoeuvre the class is about to attempt. One student stands in the line tapping his pole impatiently and generally getting on everyone's nerves. This guy is like Bart Simpson - all he hears as the teacher begins to lecture is 'blah blah blah'.
It's not his fault, his brain is programmed to learn visually. What he literally needs is for someone to draw him a picture - he needs the 'don't tell me, show me' approach.
I try and avoid this scenario at all costs! I have sufficient experience (and sense of humour!) to give all students the opportunity to learn in a manner best suited to their natural way of being.


Some times I feel the need to change your approach by helping you develop the styles which are weaker.
For instance visual people will suffer in a white out or blizzard so they need a back up method of receiving feed-back. Let me work with you to get the best out of your ski holiday.

Having played many sports I try to find some common ground my students can relate to. Many of the basic skills in any given sport or activity will cross over to another. In life you've been learning to ski without even knowing it!
There are similarities in all sorts of activities: Yoga, Motor biking, Horse riding, Golf and even some really sedentary ones you would never think of such as Snooker, Darts and Drawing!
Finding the common ground helps my students relax and feel involved in the learning process. For me it's a two way street, I am also learning what makes you tick!

This all sounds very worthy and sincere but I will finish by saying it's all rubbish if there are no laughs along the way! You're on holiday and I have the best job in the world, helping people to have FUN!!! Skiing is the best fun you can have with your clothes on!!!

See you on the slopes!

Joe