flying_hun
Adverse Selection
Last year, BARF's own Caddywumpus asked me if I might be interested in becoming a CMSP instructor. In past times I have always discounted the idea of being an instructor because I have been so jealous of my riding time. In other words, if I'm teaching, I'm not riding. No thanks. For several reasons, I decided it was worth another look.
It started by coming out to watch class and range sessions to see if I thought I wanted to do it. Following that, there is a requirement to take and pass both the basic Motorcycle Training Course, and the Intermediate Riding Clinic, then take and successfully complete a 7 day(!) Instructor Training Course.
One note on these classes, is that the first two are fairly straightforward to take and pass. Pay attention, do the drills the way they are taught, and you're golden. I found the Instructor Training more challenging. Not the riding as such, but the delivery of the curriculum, learning how to manage the classroom and the range, learning how to diagnose and respond to student challenges were things that stretched me. There were a couple of times I thought, "Eff this." However, I stayed with it and am glad I did.
It is beyond satisfying to work with a wide variety of students who are coming to the class with a range of backgrounds and experiences, fears and beliefs, strengths and weaknesses, and find a way in the classroom and on the range to help them absorb the necessary information and the fundamental skillset needed to begin their riding careers. Seeing someone struggle and breakthrough, seeing the big grins and getting fist bumps from the students, or even seeing the student decide that maybe riding is not for them, or finding a way to communicate with a challenging or frightened student are all hugely gratifying.
I had not expected to enjoy this as much as I do. Being an instructor is not for everyone. It's not about us, it's about the students. If one can set one's ego towards the back, and put the students to the front, good things will happen, and joy is one result. Give it a shot.
It started by coming out to watch class and range sessions to see if I thought I wanted to do it. Following that, there is a requirement to take and pass both the basic Motorcycle Training Course, and the Intermediate Riding Clinic, then take and successfully complete a 7 day(!) Instructor Training Course.
One note on these classes, is that the first two are fairly straightforward to take and pass. Pay attention, do the drills the way they are taught, and you're golden. I found the Instructor Training more challenging. Not the riding as such, but the delivery of the curriculum, learning how to manage the classroom and the range, learning how to diagnose and respond to student challenges were things that stretched me. There were a couple of times I thought, "Eff this." However, I stayed with it and am glad I did.
It is beyond satisfying to work with a wide variety of students who are coming to the class with a range of backgrounds and experiences, fears and beliefs, strengths and weaknesses, and find a way in the classroom and on the range to help them absorb the necessary information and the fundamental skillset needed to begin their riding careers. Seeing someone struggle and breakthrough, seeing the big grins and getting fist bumps from the students, or even seeing the student decide that maybe riding is not for them, or finding a way to communicate with a challenging or frightened student are all hugely gratifying.
I had not expected to enjoy this as much as I do. Being an instructor is not for everyone. It's not about us, it's about the students. If one can set one's ego towards the back, and put the students to the front, good things will happen, and joy is one result. Give it a shot.
