Teaching Styles

[SeanCulver 0]

Hey everyone I am curious I have an AFF teacher that is very harsh. I really like him but he hasn't once complimented me on anything i have done he has simply told me that i fucked up or what i need to work on. It gets discouraging because i feel like im never doing anything good enough or that im not going anywhere. TWICE I landed perfectly and gotten comments from other jumpers telling me that I did a great job on landing and canopy control. not once did the instructor mention or even take note. I guess its the positive reinforcement that is missing. I doubt there is anything I can do, but when I get off student status I plan on telling him. Oh yeah I already paid him. Anyways Any comments would be helpful. Thx guys and girls!

Sean Culver

[PhillyKev 0]

What works for you might not work for others. If it's that much of a problem, tell him you want your money back for remaining jumps and why and then find another instructor.

Or, read this.

[steve1 5]

Every student needs positive reinforcement (some more than others). You might have to make the best of it and get further training from someone else later. Just realize this is his flaw, not yours.....Steve1

[Cajones 0]

Quote

Just realize this is his flaw, not yours

I'm definitely with Steve, on this.

Press on, and try to realize the people giving you compliments are skydivers, too. Teaching styles are as varied as we are. Feedback from you might help him to improve. The difference between a good instructor and an excellent instructor is in adaptability. It's easier to learn this adaptiveness with feedback from those you teach. It's not always easy to ask for, or accept, it.

- Cajones

The laws of physics are strictly enforced.

[jlmiracle 7]

One of the first things I was told during the AFF I course, always find something positive to tell the student. Even if they flail all the way, don't pull, and never unstow the toggles, find something positive to say. Obviously this instructor doesn't believe in positive reinforcement. Don't let it discourage you. Some people are just that way. You may want to ask for a different instructor.

Good luck!

Judy

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

[JYorkster 0]

Unfortunately, not everyone with an instructor rating has learned how to actually teach and motivate students. It is unlikely that this instructor will change his/her teaching style on their own in the (hopefully) short time it takes you to complete your training. You have identified the problem, so work on being part of the solution. Don't wait until after you complete you training...speak up now. You are the customer. Just say something like: "I'm glad you are pointing out all the things I need to work on, because that will make me a better skydiver, but could you also let me know when I am doing well in a particular area? I really think that would help me learn overall." This should be enough of a hint for he/she to remember their AFF training about provide some positive feedback. If that doesn't work, or if it is too confrontational for you, ASK for feedback directly. If you think you think you had an exceptionally good landing, for instance, say "How was my landing?" If these methods don't work, and this is hindering your training, ask for a different instructor.

If you don't say anything, but are progressing, you are reinforcing your instructor's teaching style...it seems to be working so far.

Rock

[SeanCulver 0]

I agree I think i will take your advice and the advice of others who have posted. I really love the sport so im not going to get discouraged by one person. I agree it is him. And i'll do everything in my power to be part of the solution.

Thanks!

Sean

[oldnewbie 0]

Hi I know what you mean. I think it makes a huge difference when they give compliments. I had a coach that after our first jump together, he asked 'What did you like about the jump" and i said "well my exit was very bad, and". He said "NO, NO, i asked you what you liked about the jump". and everytime i started to say something that was bad, he would stop me and make me say only good things. This helped me focus on *what went good, not bad*. And yes, after all of the good things, then he asked me what didn't go quite so perfect. So maybe it would help to get some *good things* said to you.

[SeanCulver 0]

Quote

Unfortunately, not everyone with an instructor rating has learned how to actually teach and motivate students.

I fully Agree 100%. I think that is what has happend here.

[SeanCulver 0]

When I think back on the post's I dont know if I have done my instructer fair. I think it might be some frustration I have with not feeling like I am getting it entirely. I want to state that IT IS NOT a assault on the instructor just something that I noticed. I very much care for and Apreciate the help I am being given. And this all could have been one particular day and being busy. I still plan on Discussing it with him. Thx for all your help guys. Your GREAT.

Sean

[trumpetfish 0]

I did my AFF last September in Sebastain, FL. Naturally there were different teaching styles according to the instructors different personalities, and I could tell when criticism was being delt for my own good (and theirs), after all it's their lives up there as well. But there was always an atmosphere of learning AND fun from the instructors - hey, it's costing you a hell of a lot of cash so why shouldn't it be fun ?

I also had a spread of instructors throughout my levels so I think that helped getting different styles of instruction. my advice would be to have a word or just ask for another instructor.

[sducoach 0]

Sean, Jyorkster hit it right on the head. You as the student, i.e. consumer, have the right to ask for a change. You are doing yourself a disservice if you do not. There are times that I will take a student to another instructor simply because I'm not getting the job done for that individial. It's my fault when that happens if, I don't initiate the change. Pride aside, as professionals it's our job.

Blues,

J.E.

James 4:8

[andy2 0]

[QUOTE]I also had a spread of instructors throughout my levels so I think that helped getting different styles of instruction. my advice would be to have a word or just ask for another instructor.
[/QUOTE]

Without knowing how good or bad your situation is, if the instructor is competent at teaching you and you are learning, just his personality is grating on you, I say stick with him. Try to push/motivate him to teach how you want to, but I think switching instructors would be worse than staying with one that has a slightly annoying attitude. Your instructor is obviously VITAL to your training, and switching instructors can hinder their ability to know what your patterns and normal problems in freefall is, returning less information to you.

But thats just my opinion, I am an AFF student, as well, but fortunately have no problem with my instructor, he rocks!

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let my inspiration flow,
in token rhyme suggesting rhythm...

[andy2 0]

also, ASK QUESTIONS. Just because this guy might focus on the negative (he just wants you to become better faster), doesn't mean you have to. Focus the negativity and make it positive, when he starts slamming you for the poor position you had during freefall, or your crappy landing, ask ask ask what you should do next time, get him to demonstrate body position, mimick his body position on the ground before dives. Get him to explain canopy control skills to you in depth, ask him about wind, turbulence, etc. ASK ASK ASK. You are paying this guy a LOT of money (in my opinion at least) and you deserve to get 100% out of the dive. It is your responsibility to learn.

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let my inspiration flow,
in token rhyme suggesting rhythm...

[riggerrob 643]

Clearly his teaching style is incompatible with your learning style.
That teaching style works best with arrogant, pushy, overconfident young bucks who need to be cut down for their own good.
Arrogance and over confidence are clearly the least of your problems.
Chances are your instructor learned that teaching style in the military, where they have to cram huge amounts of information into hundreds of young men in short periods of time. The downside to that teaching style is that the Army takes all the fun out of things. Heck! The army could transform a wet dream into a miserable experience!
Like you, I "endure", but rarely learn in that environment.
Your next step should be to ask the chief instructor to shift you to another instructor with a more positive teaching style.

[jumpgod 0]

i would try another instructor....one of my first AFF instructors stayed in the plane (he lost his grip i guess) while my other one exited with me.....but anyhow....on the debrief he was a real assclown so i asked for another AFF instructor and i jumped with him for the remainder of my training....get another instructor if you don't like the one you got.

jg

"dude, where's my main?"