Practical Instructor Exam

[Wolfy]

Hi All

Im up for my PIE next sunday (John are you on it ?)
Any ideas,tips,info? would be appreciated from newly through pie'ers :)

thanks

[Adrian Kelland]

Hi All

Im up for my PIE next sunday (John are you on it ?)
Any ideas,tips,info? would be appreciated from newly through pie'ers

thanks
Wolfy

Do follow what you were taught in the foundation course, don't ignore the good adive given then. Prepare and practice before the practical exam, even if this is to get the timing right. If you have a lecture (tides for me) that may not involve much in the way of physical visual aids, think of something, I took an almanac. Make sure you have all the 'must know' info, use the instructor manual, then see about 'useful to know'. To be honest, apart from nervousness, its easy if the training is followed. I got a merit - smug mode on.

Now for the theory exam. I found it harder than I thought it would be - thought I knew enough. It covers everything upto DL, and some bits about instructing. So revise well. I came out thinking I had failed, but I must have scraped through - smug mode off again.

Adrian

Note to self and others, read the question properly. I misread as TIE not PIE. Most still stands though.

[PeteM]

Im up for my PIE next sunday (John are you on it ?)
Any ideas,tips,info? would be appreciated from newly through pie'ers

- Relax, they want to pass you!
- Make sure you include a proper brief with all the bits of SEEDS, if nerves might make you forget a bit, use a slate.
- Watch your time, you do not have to do a complete lesson, if you don't get it all done then in the debrief (REAP) make sure you say "we'll finish that off next week".
- Don't forget the debrief
- Make sure you can do all the skills properly yourself
- Go through the OD/SD instructor manuals workout how you would teach every skill in there but concentrate on the obvious ones
- Safety is paramount

and finally have a look at this
<a href="http://www.diveinstruct.org.uk/instexams.html" >http://www.diveinstruct.org.uk/instexams.html</a>

HTH and good luck

Pete

[matt]

Im up for my PIE next sunday (John are you on it ?)
Any ideas,tips,info? would be appreciated from newly through pie'ers

PeteM has provided some sound advice.

Below is the game plan I used and which worked for me.

Be prepared - Prep your kit the night before, make sure you have snorkel, commpass, slate. Think through the lessons you may get and how you will deliver them. Get a decent nights sleep.

Keep It Simple - You will be assigned one skill to teach. Think about the lesson which normally includes the skill and break the single skill out. Now teach it as you would normally.

Lesson plan - Keep asking yourself;
Is it progressive (break it down)
Are you teaching
Is it safe

Brief - Keep it brief. The template I use is;
Breathe...1,2,3
Safety:
Sentence - Depth and Time
Sentence - How will you get in and out the water.
Sentence - Keep reg in on entry and exit.
Exercises:
Sentence - What we are about to do.
Sentence - Why we need to do this skill.
Para - Who does what when.
Equipment:
Sentence - Normal open water kit.
Sentence - Specific equipment (SMB, compass, snorkel)
Discipline:
Sentence - Who is diving with who.
Sentence - Positioning
Sentence - Separation drill.
Sentence - One up all up.
Signals:
Standard - Up, Down, Problem, Low/Out of air, Direction
Teaching signals - you watch me, you, you 2 together, all together, start of drill, end of drill
Finally:
Any questions.

Dry Run
Review Dry Run
Please go and help each other kit up.

Buddy check: Stick to the essentials BAR. Look at your students config and pre-empt anything that will upset your lesson (AAS stowage, contents guage flapping).

Effective Slate Use - Do not cover your slate with masses of detail, you will have trouble following it and the lesson will become disjointed. Knowing the bearing to shore may save getting lost, write it down. During the lesson note the things you like and dislike. Make a note of the time you started the lesson.

Timing - Do not let the lesson bog down. Keep your explanations simple.

Conduct - Avoid being stood around in full kit. Avoid talking on the surface. Keep your reg in from entering the water to being back on dry land. Make sure stabs are fully inflated on the surface. Keep the group tight. De-kit as soon as you are out of the water.

De-Brief - Again keep it brief.
Review: What you did
Encourage: What went well (ask)
Assess: Any problems (ask). Effectiveness
Progress: How to do it better, what next.
Finally:
Questions, Thanks.

Problems - keep in mind that all those things that can go wrong in OW can go wrong with your lesson. A fin strap broke just as I was getting my group into the water! DO NOT PANIC! Stop, Breathe, Think works on land as well as in the water. Work through any problems exactly as you would in a normal lesson. If you make a blooper correct yourself and move on.

Most important of all. BE CONFIDENT. You know how to do this. The instructor wants you to pass. You will pass.

This worked for me, hope you find it useful.

Regards
Matt

[PeteM]

Be prepared - Prep your kit the night before, make sure you have snorkel, commpass, slate. Think through the lessons you may get and how you will deliver them. Get a decent nights sleep.

And as an extra point make sure you have a few spares for things you might need - if you loose an O ring; get one out your spares box put it in (teaching opertunity: always carry spares) carry on. If you don't have spares; mad panic to get one, stressed before the lesson.

[John Williams]

Hi All

Im up for my PIE next sunday (John are you on it ?)
Any ideas,tips,info? would be appreciated from newly through pie'ers

thanks


Organising it for the Missus (she's the LO...but sunning herself in Tenerife)

...but unfortunately I'm working - so cannot be there.

Good Luck!

John

[Wolfy]

Hi All

Im up for my PIE next sunday (John are you on it ?)
Any ideas,tips,info? would be appreciated from newly through pie'ers

thanks


Well i went for my PIE on Sunday...what a day :) as with all instructor events ive attended...very hard work by all, both candidates and staff. Lots of nerves flying around..lots of good lessons both learnt and taught...just got to wait for results now....
Once again many thanks to all who attended...

Wolfy...

[Wolfy]

:=Hi All

Well now i passed my Open Water Instructor (Practical) exam it raised a question in my head ...( dodgy yeah i know but here goes )
Does this mean that i can instruct in open water WITHOUT a NQI being present, and instruct in a classroom WITH an NQI being there ?

Ie could i take a trainee up to capernwray and teach ?

many thanks

Wolfy ....

[matt]

Does this mean that i can instruct in open water WITHOUT a NQI being present,

Depends if you have taken the multi guess theory test.

PIE + Theory test = Practical Instructor. You can teach practical lessons unattended and sign books.

TIE + Theory test = Theory Instructor. You can teach theory lessons unattended and sign boooks.

PIE + TIE + Theory test = NQI.

Well done on passing the course.

Regards
Matt

[Open Water Instructor Chief Examiner]

Congratulations Wolfy,
As you passed the Practical Examination you should have also received a letter from me!
You require to pass the theory multiple choice in order to teach unsupervised.
For example theory test and practical exam = Practical Instructor without supervision.
Theory Instructor Exam (Presentation) + theory test = Theory Instructor without supervision.
Theory Instructor Exam + Practical Exam + Theory test = Open Water Instructor all without supervision.
Hope that helps.

Sean
:=:=Hi All

Well now i passed my Open Water Instructor (Practical) exam it raised a question in my head ...( dodgy yeah i know but here goes )
Does this mean that i can instruct in open water WITHOUT a NQI being present, and instruct in a classroom WITH an NQI being there ?

Ie could i take a trainee up to capernwray and teach ?

many thanks

Wolfy ....

[Wolfy]

Congratulations Wolfy,
As you passed the Practical Examination you should have also received a letter from me!
You require to pass the theory multiple choice in order to teach unsupervised.
For example theory test and practical exam = Practical Instructor without supervision.
Theory Instructor Exam (Presentation) + theory test = Theory Instructor without supervision.
Theory Instructor Exam + Practical Exam + Theory test = Open Water Instructor all without supervision.
Hope that helps.

Sean



thanks for the replys guys now its clear...

Sean i havent recieved anything offical from BSAC HQ as yet (im told that the mail people are on holiday.
So im awaiting a letter from HQ :)
Am i correct in saying that the theory exam is a multi choice up to DL level ?

thanks again....

Wolfy

[Open Water Instructor Chief Examiner]

You are correct that it is 60 multiple choice questions.
A little higher in standard than DL.
Read all your manuals and know your BSAC 88 tables and you will be fine.

Sean

:=Congratulations Wolfy,
:=As you passed the Practical Examination you should have also received a letter from me!
:=You require to pass the theory multiple choice in order to teach unsupervised.
:=For example theory test and practical exam = Practical Instructor without supervision.
:=Theory Instructor Exam (Presentation) + theory test = Theory Instructor without supervision.
:=Theory Instructor Exam + Practical Exam + Theory test = Open Water Instructor all without supervision.
:=Hope that helps.
:=
:=Sean



thanks for the replys guys now its clear...

Sean i havent recieved anything offical from BSAC HQ as yet (im told that the mail people are on holiday.
So im awaiting a letter from HQ
Am i correct in saying that the theory exam is a multi choice up to DL level ?

thanks again....

Wolfy

[crofty]

:A question for Sean
Why is the theory exam (multiple choice bit) not offered to the students to be taken at the same time they take the practical exam?

To do the theory paper they have to sign up for the Theory presentaion exam part. Or am I missing something.

Richard





=You are correct that it is 60 multiple choice questions.
A little higher in standard than DL.
Read all your manuals and know your BSAC 88 tables and you will be fine.

[Open Water Instructor Chief Examiner]

:A question for Sean
Why is the theory exam (multiple choice bit) not offered to the students to be taken at the same time they take the practical exam?

Ha Richard.
I just knew that question was going to raise its little head!
Okay my answer is thus:
If we gave all trainee instructors the opportunity to do the multpile choice exam on the Practical Day we would have within the BSAC a lot of Practical Instructors.
You may say that is good and ultimately what we are wanting however there is a but........
The majority (in my opinion and other leading lights) believe that those passing the PIE and theory test would not submit themselves to the TIE.
The result is that we would be compromised as an organisation by not producing full Open Water Instructors.
Also not every PIE venue has the facilities for a theory test although I am sure you will argue that we use them for the OWIC!
Yes we do use them for the OWIC but have to forgo interruptions and an environment that is not usually best for examination of theory.
Therefore, my argument is to offer the theory test on the TIE where we have suitable classrooms and candidates who have put themselves forward for examination of their presentation skills.
I hope that answers your question.
Unfortunately we cannot please everyone all of the time.
I am sure that some may disagree with this opinion of thought.
If you disagree formulate a plan that will work and submit it to me.
It will be discussed with the Board of Examiners.

Sean


To do the theory paper they have to sign up for the Theory presentaion exam part. Or am I missing something.

Richard





=You are correct that it is 60 multiple choice questions.
:=A little higher in standard than DL.
:=Read all your manuals and know your BSAC 88 tables and you will be fine.
:=

[matt]

Hi Sean

Before I go any further please do not get the idea I am pouncing on you. I am very pleased to see BSAC people participating in these fora. Long may it last.

I just knew that question was going to raise its little head!
Okay my answer is thus:
If we gave all trainee instructors the opportunity to do the multpile choice exam on the Practical Day we would have within the BSAC a lot of Practical Instructors.

You may say that is good and ultimately what we are wanting however there is a but........

As both a chairman and an active member of our branch trainiong team, I would say it is what we want now, not ultimately.

The majority (in my opinion and other leading lights) believe that those passing the PIE and theory test would not submit themselves to the TIE.

They may well be right. I am sure that when the new ITS was presented it was seen as major advantage that people could just do Practical or just Theory.

The result is that we would be compromised as an organisation by not producing full Open Water Instructors.

The situation in my branch is that we have plenty of people willing and qualified to teach in the classroom. Resourcing lectures is very easy as generally you only need one lecturer per lesson per intake and you only need 1hr a week off the lecturer. In open water our situation is desperate we have fewer instructors willing to help and those few are grossly overloaded. In fact at one committee meeting I had to admit that I considered encouraging non-divers into the club on the promise of training a mistake because it would be logistically impossible to progress them in open water. We deliberately refrained from taking part in the Try Dive promotion for similar reasons.

Now here is an irony. We went after qualified divers and have been fairly successful. But we not only got the qualified PADI divers to cross over, we are also attracting first timers who have heard we are a pro-active club.

Anyhow in my opinion I think keep it simple applies. Allow people to be involved on their own terms. Encourage them to do what they can rather than what you would like them to. Our experience has been that you get a lot more people willing to help in whatever small way they can.

Also not every PIE venue has the facilities for a theory test although I am sure you will argue that we use them for the OWIC!

Yes we do use them for the OWIC but have to forgo interruptions and an environment that is not usually best for examination of theory.

I can't speak for others but I would rather have the opportunity to take the exam in less than ideal conditions than wait until I have the time, money and inclination to do the TIE. Certainly in the branch we are willing to let a trainee sit a theory exam anywhere they wish if they feel they are ready at that time. If their passing means they will qualify for a grade we positively encourage them to get it out the way. Sieze the moment as it were.

Therefore, my argument is to offer the theory test on the TIE where we have suitable classrooms and candidates who have put themselves forward for examination of their presentation skills.

I hope that answers your question.
Unfortunately we cannot please everyone all of the time.
I am sure that some may disagree with this opinion of thought.

You are entitled to your opinion, you have taken up the responsibility so it is your decision and I respect that. I would urge you to reconsider. I believe that it would be far better if the ITS were made as accessible as practically possible.

If you disagree formulate a plan that will work and submit it to me.
It will be discussed with the Board of Examiners.

I am more than willing to come up with a plan which has a hope of success. What I am not willing to do is waste my time on one that does not, I have an AGM coming up and then next years dive planning. So would you mind answering the following. How do you feel about;
1. Theory test delivered in the branch adjudicated by a branch officer (DO/TO) and sent on to BSAC for marking.
2. Theory test delivered in the branch adjudicated by an area coach.
3. Theory test delivered in the branch of an ITS staff instructor.
4. Theory test delivered at a pub or cafe close to a dive site frequented by ITS staff instructor.
5. Theory test coinciding with IFC/OWIC/PIE/TIE where facilities allow, taken by people that have already passed PIE.
6. Theory test in ITS staff instructor's front room.
That is every situation I can think of. Which ones are non-starters?

I appreciate your honesty and I hope you will respect mine.

Regards
Matt





Sean

[Open Water Instructor Chief Examiner]

I am more than willing to come up with a plan which has a hope of success. What I am not willing to do is waste my time on one that does not, I have an AGM coming up and then next years dive planning. So would you mind answering the following. How do you feel about;
1. Theory test delivered in the branch adjudicated by a branch officer (DO/TO) and sent on to BSAC for marking.

Non-starter must be kept separate to avoid allegations of collusion and are not necessarily ITS.

2. Theory test delivered in the branch adjudicated by an area coach.

A possibility, but I do not want to overload all area coaches with supervising theory tests in every branch every month!

3. Theory test delivered in the branch of an ITS staff instructor.

Again need to avoid collusion, it is better having an independant adjudicator.

4. Theory test delivered at a pub or cafe close to a dive site frequented by ITS staff instructor.

Not exactly conducive to thinking power of those doing the test! However, a possibility.

5. Theory test coinciding with IFC/OWIC/PIE/TIE where facilities allow, taken by people that have already passed PIE.

Already possible at IFC and TIE venues.

6. Theory test in ITS staff instructor's front room.

Possibility

That is every situation I can think of. Which ones are non-starters?

I appreciate your honesty and I hope you will respect mine.

Regards
Matt

As a thought for you Matt. Currently these examinations require a National Instructor to oversee them. This is only right and proper in order to ensure fairness and a set national standard. Also these proposals need to be put to the Board of Examiners. Decisions are not made lightly by one of us but are discussed as a group before change. Thus, they do not change instantly!

Sean

[Lynn Jackson]

"The majority (in my opinion and other leading lights) believe that those passing the PIE and theory test would not submit themselves to the TIE".

Then why didn't BSAC simply say that in order to be an OWI, PI AND TI were compulsory?

Matt is right, this division was promoted as a benefit when I did the ITC course.

We have enough experienced instructors happy spend a club night doing a theory lecture (they'ed be there anyway...). Those same instructors are not able to spend the whole Saturday/Sunday doing PI.

As a club, we rely on regular three instructors to work their way through all Ocean, Sport, DL (and only two for AD's) - over 20 divers requiring some form of practical instruction.

Finding qualified TI's is not the problem - finding qualified PI's is.

Please reconsider and look at Matt's suggestions - using NI's fully accepted.

[Open Water Instructor Chief Examiner]

"The majority (in my opinion and other leading lights) believe that those passing the PIE and theory test would not submit themselves to the TIE".

Then why didn't BSAC simply say that in order to be an OWI, PI AND TI were compulsory?

The BSAC have always been very clear that from January 2002 to be an Open Water Instructor you require to complete TIE, PIE and theory test. Only exclusion is CI's who have been previously examined and can log their 12 hours.


Matt is right, this division was promoted as a benefit when I did the ITC course.

It is a benefit in that they do not require to be supervised if they have completed a theory and PIE or TIE.


We have enough experienced instructors happy spend a club night doing a theory lecture (they'ed be there anyway...). Those same instructors are not able to spend the whole Saturday/Sunday doing PI.

As a club, we rely on regular three instructors to work their way through all Ocean, Sport, DL - over 20 divers requiring some form of practical instruction.

Finding qualified TI's is not the problem - finding qualified PI's is.

Please reconsider and look at Matt's suggestions - using NI's fully accepted.


As I stated options properly submitted will be looked at by the BOE if they are suitable and workable.

Sean

[crofty]

:=:A question for Sean
:=Why is the theory exam (multiple choice bit) not offered to the students to be taken at the same time they take the practical exam?

Ha Richard.
I just knew that question was going to raise its little head!
Okay my answer is thus:
If we gave all trainee instructors the opportunity to do the multpile choice exam on the Practical Day we would have within the BSAC a lot of Practical Instructors.
You may say that is good and ultimately what we are wanting however there is a but........
The majority (in my opinion and other leading lights) believe that those passing the PIE and theory test would not submit themselves to the TIE.

This is true in our club, we have two who have taken the PIE but do not want to do the TIE, so I see your point.

But why not be honest and go back to the old exam system and make them do all 3? before they can do anything unsupervised, if they pass the PIE and multiple choice paper then fine they can teach practical un supervised,but put a time limit on them before they have to re-sit the presentation.

It would make it eaier for me I must admit, as at the moment I have to very upset (can I use P?$$ed off) ACI's

The result is that we would be compromised as an organisation by not producing full Open Water Instructors.
Also not every PIE venue has the facilities for a theory test although I am sure you will argue that we use them for the OWIC!
Yes we do use them for the OWIC but have to forgo interruptions and an environment that is not usually best for examination of theory.
Therefore, my argument is to offer the theory test on the TIE where we have suitable classrooms and candidates who have put themselves forward for examination of their presentation skills.
I hope that answers your question.
Unfortunately we cannot please everyone all of the time.
I am sure that some may disagree with this opinion of thought.
If you disagree formulate a plan that will work and submit it to me.
It will be discussed with the Board of Examiners.

Sean

:=
:=To do the theory paper they have to sign up for the Theory presentaion exam part. Or am I missing something.
:=
:=Richard
:=
:=
:=
:=
:=
:==You are correct that it is 60 multiple choice questions.
:=:=A little higher in standard than DL.
:=:=Read all your manuals and know your BSAC 88 tables and you will be fine.
:=:=

[matt]

Thanks Sean

1. Theory test delivered in the branch adjudicated by a branch officer (DO/TO) and sent on to BSAC for marking.

Non-starter must be kept separate to avoid allegations of collusion and are not necessarily ITS.

Fair enough.

2. Theory test delivered in the branch adjudicated by an area coach.

A possibility, but I do not want to overload all area coaches with supervising theory tests in every branch every month!

Agree this should not be a burden, more an opportunity for people to take the theory test without inconveniencing the coach. What about 1 day/evening a month revolving around different venues. I suspect the demand will be immediately after a PIE.

3. Theory test delivered in the branch of an ITS staff instructor.

Again need to avoid collusion, it is better having an independant adjudicator.

Just looking for ways to make this easier for everyone. If I want to do the test outside a TIE it should be me that is travelling not the coach.

What about prohibiting adjudication of their own branch members?

4. Theory test delivered at a pub or cafe close to a dive site frequented by ITS staff instructor.

Not exactly conducive to thinking power of those doing the test! However, a possibility.

Granted not ideal, is it a good enough reason to prevent people from taking the test though.

5. Theory test coinciding with IFC/OWIC/PIE/TIE where facilities allow, taken by people that have already passed PIE.

Already possible at IFC and TIE venues.

Interesting. This was not suggested to me. I was told to take the TIE. There was an IFC held 8 miles from me, shame I didn't know this was possible. Maybe I misunderstood.

6. Theory test in ITS staff instructor's front room.

Possibility

As a thought for you Matt. Currently these examinations require a National Instructor to oversee them. This is only right and proper in order to ensure fairness and a set national standard.

Do we _really_ need adjudicators that highly qualified. Can say regional coaches not be trusted with this duty. As I understand it is fairly unusual to demand such highly qualified adjudicators. Maybe one of the teachers out there could confirm.

Also these proposals need to be put to the Board of Examiners. Decisions are not made lightly by one of us but are discussed as a group before change. Thus, they do not change instantly!

I fully understand that, but you have to start somewhere. In my own committee meetings we are working through stuff that was introduced well over a year ago. I am trying to establish if there is any will to change. Not much point going further if the BOE are actively going to try and keep things the way they are.

By the way is there a template for making a formal proposal?

[Open Water Instructor Chief Examiner]

Thanks Sean

:=1. Theory test delivered in the branch adjudicated by a branch officer (DO/TO) and sent on to BSAC for marking.
:=
:=Non-starter must be kept separate to avoid allegations of collusion and are not necessarily ITS.

Fair enough.

:=2. Theory test delivered in the branch adjudicated by an area coach.

:=A possibility, but I do not want to overload all area coaches with supervising theory tests in every branch every month!

Agree this should not be a burden, more an opportunity for people to take the theory test without inconveniencing the coach. What about 1 day/evening a month revolving around different venues. I suspect the demand will be immediately after a PIE.

:=3. Theory test delivered in the branch of an ITS staff instructor.

:=Again need to avoid collusion, it is better having an independant adjudicator.

Just looking for ways to make this easier for everyone. If I want to do the test outside a TIE it should be me that is travelling not the coach.

What about prohibiting adjudication of their own branch members?

:=4. Theory test delivered at a pub or cafe close to a dive site frequented by ITS staff instructor.

:=Not exactly conducive to thinking power of those doing the test! However, a possibility.

Granted not ideal, is it a good enough reason to prevent people from taking the test though.

:=5. Theory test coinciding with IFC/OWIC/PIE/TIE where facilities allow, taken by people that have already passed PIE.

:=Already possible at IFC and TIE venues.

Interesting. This was not suggested to me. I was told to take the TIE. There was an IFC held 8 miles from me, shame I didn't know this was possible. Maybe I misunderstood.

:=6. Theory test in ITS staff instructor's front room.

:=Possibility

:=As a thought for you Matt. Currently these examinations require a National Instructor to oversee them. This is only right and proper in order to ensure fairness and a set national standard.

Do we _really_ need adjudicators that highly qualified. Can say regional coaches not be trusted with this duty. As I understand it is fairly unusual to demand such highly qualified adjudicators. Maybe one of the teachers out there could confirm.

:=Also these proposals need to be put to the Board of Examiners. Decisions are not made lightly by one of us but are discussed as a group before change. Thus, they do not change instantly!

I fully understand that, but you have to start somewhere. In my own committee meetings we are working through stuff that was introduced well over a year ago. I am trying to establish if there is any will to change. Not much point going further if the BOE are actively going to try and keep things the way they are.

By the way is there a template for making a formal proposal?


A letter to me and copied to NDO, Lizzie Bird