CWI Instructional Techniques & Skills Development 3

Question 1

When planning a lesson for a climber with a fear of heights, the instructor's first priority should be:

Accepted Answer

Build trust through low-height activities and gradual height exposure

Answer

Systematic desensitization through graduated exposure at low heights builds confidence and trust before progressing upward.

Question 2

A climber is learning the hip turn technique on an overhang. The MOST appropriate analogy an instructor could use is:

Accepted Answer

'Rotate your hip toward the wall like turning a door handle'

Answer

A door-handle rotation analogy captures the hip-to-wall movement accurately and is a commonly understood physical reference.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key principle of scaffolded instruction in climbing coaching?

Accepted Answer

Provide maximum support at the start and gradually reduce it as competence grows

Answer

Scaffolding means providing structured support early, then fading it as the learner becomes more independent and capable.

Question 4

During a skills progression session, a student can perform a skill correctly in isolation but fails when climbing a full route. This indicates:

Accepted Answer

The student needs practice transferring skills to dynamic, variable environments

Answer

Transfer practice—applying isolated skills in context—is a critical phase between drill competence and real climbing performance.

Question 5

Which of the following best supports the development of route-reading skills in intermediate climbers?

Accepted Answer

Ask them to plan and verbalize their planned sequence before leaving the ground

Answer

Previewing and verbalizing a route sequence activates mental rehearsal and forces intentional visual processing before movement.

CWI Practice Test