How to learn F.A.S.T
How to learn F.A.S.T
Student Centred Learning.
We know that when your students are in charge of their own learning,
they understand more, and find things more interesting and relevant.
Understanding FAST helps!
Focus on the FAST!
You can help! by Focusing on the FAST!
This video explains the content of
IDC Theory Preparation Course.
However, right now I want to focus on the importance of the F.A.S.T section which comes right at the end of the video.
We’ll go into more detail a bit further down the page.
HOW TO LEARN F.A.S.T
Let's focus on when someone learns something new
You as a TEACHER should do your very best to get your class to be fully engaged.
You as a LEARNER should get yourself in the right frame of mind.
F. is for FORGET
Forget? Surely not?
There are 3 main things that you should forget:
- Forget anything that you already know about the subject.
Try to learn as if you’re a complete beginner.
There’s a memory phenomenon called “interference” where some memories interfere with the retrieval of other memories.
By learning as a newbie, you’re more likely to build on what your subconcious already knows. - Forget what else is going on in your day to day life.
In other words Focus. - The last Forget is to forget about any doubts that you have in your ability to learn.
Every single PADI Instructor has met a student who is adamant that they can’t do something.
As Henry Ford supposedly said
Whether you think you can or can’t do something – you’re right!
It’s all down to attitude.
A. is for Active
Learning is NOT a spectator sport.
The learners and the teachers are all part of the same group.
It’s no good students folding their arms and saying
“LEARN ME”
It just won’t work.
The students need to take part.
They can contribute by asking questions, or answering questions.
They need to be part of the team.
Another way is for them to take notes.
But not the normal jotting down of sentences that the teacher states.
Take general notes on one side of the page, and on the other side, write down where you think you might use this information.
This uses both the left and right sides of the brain.
The more active the brain, the more retention will happen
S. is for State
Have you noticed how FAST children learn?
Gosh… they learn everything!
language, behaviour, movement, knowledge… the list is endless.
They are masters at learning!
How do they learn?
By studying? – NO
By being taught? – NO
They learn by:
Playing games
Laughing
Being part of a group
Mucking around.
It’s important to generate a place where everyone can laugh.
An atmosphere full of:
FUN
Excitement
Enthusiasm
Confidence
Knowledge that it’s a SAFE place. Cock-ups happen without fear of reprimand.
T. is for Teach
Have you noticed that the more that you explain something to others, it becomes clearer to you?
You’re more able to put it into context with other things.
So when you learn something new yourself, try to imagine that you’ll be passing on this new knowledge to others.
Again, this uses both sides of the brain.
It allows us to learn SO FAST.
Student Centred Learning
Take a look at the post:
STUDENT CENTRED LEARNING
And see how the FAST approach is linked to teaching new skills.
Lots (and lots) more teaching tips here:
If You want to learn more......
My ONLINE IDC Preparation Course covers so much!
It incorporates ALL of the Theory preparation course mentioned above, plus loads more:
Theory
Mock exams
Standards exams
Over 700 questions.
How to teach in the pool
Briefings,
Debriefings
How people learn
Loads of videos
Oh there’s lots and lots!!
loads of videos all.
Everything geared to making you a wonderful, successful PADI Instructor.
(It’s a bit like me teaching a whole IDC!!)
It is perfect for all instructors as well as those preparing to join our wonderful world of teaching.
