Teaching Tips
All program staff members carry some responsibilities for teaching skills, particularly during program periods. To do the best possible job of teaching skills, the counselor should keep the following principles in mind.
1. Be punctual and prepared for class with appropriate dress and equipment.
2. Plan your skill periods in advance so as to provide an orderly but flexible presentation of materials.
3. A progression should be followed in teaching complex skills. Start with easier lead-up component skills and gradually build up to the complete skill.
4. Try to involve the entire group in an activity as much as possible; keep everyone busy in worthwhile activities.
5. Remember that your campers don't have the same vocabulary of backlog of experience that you do. Keep explanations simple and concise while using illustrations and analogies which are relevant to their personal experience.
6. Repetition has merit in teaching. Saying the same thing in several different ways often increases understanding (but don't overdo it).
7. Take time to review skills previously covered; campers are more likely to retain what they practice.
8. Use ingenuity and imagination to make learning enjoyable; games involving the use of skills learned can close the session with purposeful fun.
9. Try to give some personal attention to all group members, particularly to those who are slower learners.
10. Be receptive to the reactions and suggestions of group members for improvement of activities.
11. Periodic testing where it is appropriate helps measure the student's progress and can provide incentive for learning.
12. Make liberal use of deserved praise to encourage progress.
13. When critizisizing the performance of a youngster be positive, and specific in showing how to correct errors.
14. Show interest in what you are teaching - enthusiasm is contagious!
15. Consult your program head or camp director for advice or resource books, etc.
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