Introduction
It's important to create a vision. The clearer the vision the better.
- Where do you want to work?
- How much do you want to work?
- What kind of work do you want to be doing on a regular basis? Teaching in park? In-resort? Heli-boarding?
Once you've got the vision, understand the path to get there. Do you need new certifications to make it a reality?
Once we've got the path, then we can set it against a first-version timeline. I say "first-version," because we might need to adjust once we assess our knowledge and ability gaps which we'll explore in more detail below.
OK, ready? Got your vision? Got the steps to achieve it all written out?
Let's dive into the Prep Plan Framework for the first step in your plan.
Prep Plan Framework:
- Gather info
- Identify Gaps
- Prepare & Practice
- Evaluate & Refine
Gather Info
The first step in the Prep Plan Framework is to gather information on the course you plan to take.
Where can you find this information?
Your first stop should be the official course guide, which can be found in the Resources section of your CASI Member Profile.
Other resources can include CASIs YouTube channel, other CASI people in your network that have attended the course you're looking at, and of course SBTs prep courses.
Now, what to do with the gathered info?
Take out a piece of paper, draw a line down the middle of it to create two columns:
- Needs
- Knows
In the "Needs" column, write down a list of what you need to teach and in which realm (i.e., groomed, ungroomed, park). For example:
- Beginners in groomed terrain.
- Intro lessons to bumps
- Refining intermediate carving on groomed.
- Intro to ollies, groomed run, outside of park.
- etc.
Once you've got that listed out, it's time to identify the gaps using the next column.
Identify the Gaps
Give the righthand column the title "Knows", and simply draw some checkboxes in that column; one for each of the needs.
Next, check off what you think you already know how to do and leave unchecked what you don't know how to do, yet.
Take a look at the unchecked boxes in your "Knows"' column.
These are your knowledge gaps.
Rather than be overwhelmed or disheartened by what you don't know, get curious.
Open the CASI Reference guide, which is available in your Member Profile. Read through the course outline. Talk to people who have the knowledge you're looking for and fill in your knowledge gaps and take notes!
And then ...
Prepare & Practice
Start writing lesson plans!
Using the "Needs" column in the list you created, write out lesson plans that include:
- What
- Why
- How
It's also a good idea to write out some other important information, such as:
- Terrain
- Conditions
- Group size & demographics
Use this information to create several different scenarios and write lesson plans for all!
Intro to new skills lessons should be fairly straightforward, and if you need a guide to help you write skill refinement lessons, check out the SBT Mind Map to give you a hand.
Next, PRACTICE!
I highly suggest filming yourself giving a presentation and then watching it.
This is a good way to get an objective view on your presentation.
You might be surprised to see:
- How much you speak
- How many "ums" and "erms" you use when searching for words
- How many times you repeat information you already said!
Try to see what information is "extra" and that you can cut out.
Then, practice with actual people! If you can find someone who has taken, or better yet passed, the course you're training for, they'll be able to give you some good feedback on your presentation.
Remember, the key to giving good presentation isn't memorizing your lesson plan, it's about knowing your material. That way you can adapt when lesson conditions change.
Evaluate and Refine
Use the feedback you receive or develop yourself and refine your lesson plans.
Then, practice again; either with video or with a live audience.
If you want some professional feedback on your presentations, you can always book a coaching session with SBT.
Repeat this cycle until you can deliver your lessons with confidence!
You got this!
Conclusion
Preparing for a course you've never taken before can seem challenging.
How can you prepare for something you don't know about?!
After reading this article, you should now know that its all achievable with the Prep Plan Framework.
So set your goals, get excited, and get to work!
Thanks for reading!