Another year is ticking by and with so many advances, developments and ideas in our industry it’s a good time to take a breather and spend a minute or two in reflection.
Long ago, Aristotle (322 - 384BC) said, ”The things we have to learn before we do them, we learn by doing them”. It’s an interesting quote, especially when we consider that today’s educational academics continually speak about experiential learning; seems that Aristotle knew a thing or two way back then, and we are still talking about it today………a smart person who understood the essence of great teaching!
In 2016, the challenge in swimming and water safety is, how do students learn? What teaching approach do you use, rote or experiential?
AUSTSWIM encourages teachers to use the Learning Pillar Framework and Activity Principles and guide students to 'Think, Explore, Develop, Do' during planned lessons of water safety and swimming. This is a great example of an experiential teaching approach.
As the experts remind us ‘just because we know, doesn’t mean we can teach.’ So, as you wrap up the years teaching and head into the festive season, I’ll leave you with this challenge; how do you engage your students to ‘think, explore, develop and do.’ If I met you at a BBQ, I’m sure I’d be delighted with the creativity of the skills and drills in the lessons you deliver?
To each and every AUSTSWIM Licensed Teacher and Presenter; to dedicated program coordinators and the 100’s of candidates in the midst of training, I extend heartfelt thanks for all you do and contribute to water safety and drowning prevention as you impart knowledge, skill and understanding through your teaching.
Love what you do and do what you love!
WHAT'S MAKING NEWS...
AUSTSWIM Water Watcher
To coincide with the start of summer, AUSTSWIM has launched the Water Watcher campaign.
The campaign encourages people to "take the pledge" to ensure there is always supervision of children in and around water.
AUSTSWIM Is calling all teachers to Take the Pledge and share- GET SOCIAL
Sharing Ambitions
Aquatic facilities must be creative and agile in order to succeed in a business environment that caters to any increasingly diverse community. AUSTSWIM works closely with metropolitan, regional and remote aquatic facilities to improve access to a skilled workforce of accredited teachers of swimming and water safety and aqua instructors.
Taking CPR to the Outback In just seven weeks Cameron McFarlane travelled 4500km across outback NSW taking his CPR message to 5500 Year 5 and 6 students in 58 schools in 27 towns.
Students Take the Plunge to Teach Swimming and Water Safety
Kickstarting their career while still at school, the year 11 students completed the course across three days where they were introduced to the aquatics industry and were taught essential competencies.
Rip Current Awareness
There are many MYTHS about Australia's beaches…that it's only tourists who get caught in rip currents, that it's people who are weak swimmers who are likely to get taken out, or that experienced swimmers can always spot a rip. Don't Risk the Rip.
Regular staff training will produce good quality, well-educated staff, and professional staff members.
Time Management - How Important Is It?
Do you start and finish your lessons on time every time? Is this a recurring problem in your swim centre?
WETS Microphone Belt
BELT UP – IT’S TIME
Wear your belt with pride!
WETS mic belts are available in two sizes and two lengths
These hand washable quality neoprene belts are just the ticket for every aqua instructor. Ask Santa to put one under the tree, or buy one as a Kris Kringle or Stocking Filler!
As an added bonus the WETS Mic Belt is available at the special Christmas price of just $29.00 inc GST
Do you like anything you have read?
Would you like to contribute to our Pooling Resources?
Edition 5. 2016 
