IDC Teaching Scuba Skills & Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the 'Tell, Show, Do' (TSD) teaching method used in PADI instructor training?
- A marketing approach for promoting dive courses
- A three-step instructional method: explain the skill, demonstrate it, then have students practice it (Correct answer)
- A method for filling out paperwork
- A technique for conducting navigation dives
Correct answer: A three-step instructional method: explain the skill, demonstrate it, then have students practice it
Tell, Show, Do is a fundamental teaching method: tell students what they will learn and how to do it, show them a demonstration, then have them practice the skill.
The Tell, Show, Do (TSD) method is a foundational instructional framework in PADI instructor training. 'Tell' involves providing a verbal explanation of the skill, its purpose, and the step-by-step procedure. 'Show' involves demonstrating the skill correctly so students have a clear visual model. 'Do' involves having students practice the skill immediately after the demonstration while the instructor provides feedback and guidance. This method leverages multiple learning modalities — auditory, visual, and kinesthetic.
Question 2: What is the difference between a 'demonstration' and a 'practice' phase in confined water training?
- They are the same — PADI uses the terms interchangeably
- Demonstration is the instructor showing the skill; practice is students performing the skill (Correct answer)
- Demonstration is done in open water; practice is confined water only
- Practice is for advanced students; demonstration is for beginners
Correct answer: Demonstration is the instructor showing the skill; practice is students performing the skill
In confined water training, the instructor demonstrates each skill to provide students with a clear model, then students practice the skill to develop their own proficiency.
In PADI's confined water training structure, demonstration and practice are distinct phases. During the demonstration phase, the instructor performs the skill correctly and completely, giving students a visual model. Demonstrations should be clear, precise, and at a speed students can follow. During the practice phase, students attempt the skill themselves — first sometimes in segments, then as a whole. The instructor observes, provides corrective feedback, and re-demonstrates if necessary.
Question 3: What is the 'whole-part-whole' teaching technique and when is it most appropriate?
- Teaching the whole skill first, breaking it into parts for practice, then reassembling the full skill — best for complex, multi-step skills (Correct answer)
- A nutrition guideline for divers
- Teaching all students simultaneously as a whole group
- A technique for planning multi-level dive profiles
Correct answer: Teaching the whole skill first, breaking it into parts for practice, then reassembling the full skill — best for complex, multi-step skills
Whole-part-whole involves showing the complete skill, breaking it into manageable segments for practice, then combining the parts back into the full skill — ideal for complex skills.
The whole-part-whole technique is valuable for teaching complex, multi-step scuba skills. Step 1 (whole): demonstrate the complete skill so students understand the finished product. Step 2 (part): break the skill into its components and practice each separately. Step 3 (whole): reassemble the parts and practice the complete skill. This approach prevents students from being overwhelmed by complexity while ensuring they understand how the parts connect.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the purpose of 'briefings' in PADI training sessions?
- Briefings are optional introductory chats before each session
- Briefings prepare students for what will happen during the session, set expectations, and cover safety considerations (Correct answer)
- Briefings are only necessary for advanced-level courses
- Briefings are used to recruit new students for future courses
Correct answer: Briefings prepare students for what will happen during the session, set expectations, and cover safety considerations
Briefings are essential instructional components that prepare students for the upcoming session, outline skills to be practiced, and address safety considerations specific to the dive site or conditions.
PADI requires instructors to conduct proper briefings before every training session. A confined water briefing covers: skills to be practiced, their order of presentation, any specific techniques or concerns, site safety considerations, hand signals to be used, and what to do if a problem occurs. An open water briefing adds: site conditions, entry and exit procedures, dive profile, buddy assignments, emergency procedures, and a review of any new skills. Thorough briefings prevent confusion, reduce anxiety, and ensure students are mentally prepared.
Question 5: What is the recommended sequence for PADI confined water dive skills presentations?
- Random order based on student preference
- Skills are presented from simple to complex, foundational skills first (Correct answer)
- Most difficult skills are taught first to get them out of the way
- Open water skills are taught before confined water skills
Correct answer: Skills are presented from simple to complex, foundational skills first
PADI's curriculum sequences skills from simple to complex, ensuring students build foundational skills and confidence before progressing to more demanding techniques.
PADI's confined water dive structure sequences skills deliberately from simpler to more complex. CWD 1 begins with the most basic skills (breathing underwater, mask clearing in shallow water), while CWDs 2-5 progressively add more complex skills (neutral buoyancy, regulator recovery, controlled emergency swimming ascent). This sequencing ensures that students have the foundational skills and confidence needed for more demanding exercises.
Question 6: How should an instructor adapt their teaching when working with a student who has a learning disability or special need?
- Refer the student to a different instructor or program
- Assess the specific need, adjust communication methods and pacing, and consult PADI's resources while maintaining all performance standards (Correct answer)
- Waive performance requirements for special needs students
- Teach only knowledge development, not water skills
Correct answer: Assess the specific need, adjust communication methods and pacing, and consult PADI's resources while maintaining all performance standards
PADI supports inclusive instruction — instructors should adapt their methods to the student's specific needs while maintaining required performance standards.
PADI is committed to inclusive diving education and encourages instructors to teach students with disabilities or special needs. The key principle is to adapt the teaching method — communication style, pacing, demonstration approach — while maintaining all safety-related performance requirements. PADI provides resources including the Adaptive Scuba Techniques for Divers with Disabilities guide and has programs specifically designed for divers with various disabilities. Instructors should consult PADI resources and seek guidance from specialists if needed.
IDC Teaching Scuba Skills & Techniques 2
What is the 'Tell, Show, Do' (TSD) teaching method used in PADI instructor training?