Welcome to the wonderful world of Cross Country (XC) ski instruction!
This XC Level I E-Learning course is designed to lead you down the path of learning and understanding so that you can become a better teacher and achieve your goal of certification. Please complete this e-learning course prior to attending the Level I prep clinic (if your region holds one). That way when you attend the prep clinic, you will understand so much more, and you will be well on your way to attaining Level I certification.
This e-Learning course is divided into modules based on the Learning Connection Model. Each module contains information presented in short texts, diagrams, and videos with follow up quiz questions to check your understanding and guide you to achieve the XC Level I E-Learning Course Objectives.
XC Level I E-Learning Course Objectives
Upon completion of the Level I XC E-Learning Course you/participants…
- Will be able to demonstrate understanding and apply the Learning Connection Model at the Level I XC instructor level for each skill set: people, teaching, and technical.
- Be prepared to practice/apply what you have learned in on-snow situations.
- Will have satisfied one step for achieving Level I certification.
The Big Picture
To put the ideas of the Level I XC e-learning course into context, here is a very basic overview of a ski lesson: You will…
- Meet new people.
- Create a friendly relationship with them and build some trust.
- Find out what they want to get out of the lesson.
- Watch them ski and compare that to a more ideal way to ski.
- Create a lesson plan with input from the student.
- Bring them to appropriate terrain for learning something new.
- Implement the lesson plan by suggesting and demonstrating simple drills and exercises to help them better reach their goals.
- Give them feedback about how they’re doing.
In order to complete this process, it’s helpful to understand the following:
- Current thoughts on how to best create a relationship.
- The latest in efficient ski technique.
- How to create a logical process of presenting information to students.
- How to observe skiers and develop ways to help improve their efficiency.
- How to deliver positive feedback, and much, much more.
Get to Know the Reference Materials
Two important documents that will help you to be an effective teacher and prepare you for the XC Level I assessment are the PSIA Cross Country Certification Standards, as mentioned above, and Performance Guide. While the standards are brief criteria statements, the Performance Guide gives you and your specific assessment requirements associated with each level of PSIA-AASI certification and guides their preparation for an assessment. You should check this guide to get a complete understanding of the assessment criteria for Level I people, teaching, and technical skills.
Useful references include:
- PSIA-AASI Certification Standards and the Performance Guide
- The PSIA Cross Country Technical Manual
- The PSIA Teaching Snowsports Manual
- The PSIA Teaching Children Snowsports Manual
- PSIA-AASI web site
- Your fellow instructors. If possible, find an experienced PSIA-AASI certified instructor to be your mentor. Be an active learner!
Click on, “The Learning Connection Model,” to continue.