CSUMB Scuba TA Roles and Responsibilities (Code of Conduct)

1. CSUMB Scuba TARoles and Responsibilities (Code of Conduct)

2. To provide our students with the best opportunity for success it is important we: • Function effectively as a team. • Are consistent in our teaching methods. • Are consistent in our skill evaluations. • Support the students. • Support each other.

3. Objectives • Identify the most important aspect of the student/instructor relationship. • Describe the benefits of gaining the students trust. • Identify the key aspect of your personal motivation to act as a TA or DM. • Outline techniques for class management. • Discuss criteria for appropriate scuba skill performance as a TA/DM.

4. Main Points • Earning Student Trust • Motivation • Teaching/Class Management • Scuba Skill Performance

5. Earning Student Trust IT IS VITAL WE EARN THE TRUST OF OUR STUDENTS! • Trust our judgment! • Accept our decisions! • Allay student fears!

6. Motivation • First and foremost be there to help the students. • Improve your skills and knowledge of scuba and scuba instruction.

7. Teaching/Class Management • Be on time • Be mentally ready to dive and teach! • Be physically ready to dive and teach! • Know the names of the students with whom you are working • Report on student performance after each pool session • Circulate among the students to facilitate set up • Minimize talking! Don’t repeat what I have said, just answer questions. • No talking while I am talking!

8. Teaching/Class Management • Be consistent with performance evaluations of students! • Be objective with performance evaluations of students! • Be consistent with performance evaluations of fellow staff and FD! • Be objective with performance evaluations of fellow staff and FD! • Be positive but don’t lower standards! • Understand the difference between different styles and safe vs. unsafe technique • Be open to feedback from students, other staff or FD • Do not take on something or someone you do not feel prepared/capable of handling!

9. Scuba Skill Performance • Make it look easy! • Perform every skill as if it is a demonstration! • Emphasize key components of the skill • Set up gear quickly! • Wear and be comfortable with your snorkel. • Wear and be comfortable with your necklace. • Know and be able to demonstrate 2-3 different techniques for each skill. • Controlled ascents and descents! • Never stand on the bottom! • Maintain neutral buoyancy as much as possible!

10. Scuba Skill Performance • Perform all swimming skills required of the students! • Maintain an appropriate level of physical fitness. • Swim with hands crossed or arms folded. • Check student’s air frequently! (1 hand 1 finger = 100 psi) • Emphasize the buddy system!

11. Our goal is to provide a positive experience and develop divers who enjoy scuba as a lifelong activity. To that end we must be positive role models as far as: • Scuba skills • Scuba knowledge • Instructional skills If we gain our students trust by being objective, consistent and mentally and physically prepared • Look forward to class • Look forward to the ocean dives • Continue to dive post class