Walter & Group...
From Mack Brown:
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Hi Gordy,
Getting caught up on the threads. Had a new baby boy the 15th of May
so things are kind of hectic at the moment. Thought of a couple of
things since reading many of the threads. The direct instruction article
was interesting in the Loop. I think it has its place for some examples.
However, I find it more efficient at times to have an intro when teaching
really large classes (like the college programs of 25-30 students). The
efficiency of not saying something over 30 times to every student is quite
draining, hence I find it more productive to hit the important concepts to
all then get them casting. These types of programs last a full semester so
I tend to be with Scott's message in wanting all of the students to learn
to self diagnose. Then they can have a passion of casting for a lifetime.
Another example, last week I had 3 lessons on specialty fishing casts
during the week. If I used only direct instruction there is no way they
would be repeat clients at $140.00 per hour. I feel like when someone has
a great desire to learn and are paying that kind of money they had better
have many things to go away with from the lesson. Hence, I think really
good instructors tailor on a case by case scenario for every lesson. You
can read it so easily from person to person by watching their eyes, body
language, etc.. to get a feel what they may handle. Neuro-linguistic
programming is worth a read for that kind of thing.
As Jim pointed out, it becomes more of a challenge when 2 or more
have very different needs bundled into the same lesson. Good job Jim
breaking it down to serve both needs!
As instructors, we already know what the student needs to fish really
well. This at times may vary with their goals (because often times the
student is not sure what they need). If we just turn them loose flailing
away without discussing some layout issues I can assure you it will be
quite ugly taking them to the stream because they are not prepared. I
am not a fan of "cookie cutter" approaches for teaching. All
teaching days, demos, etc.. become tailored to the type of audience you
may have (case by case basis).
The US team is fishing Scotland this week. Three of those
members I have worked with off and on for over 15 years now. How would
this direct instruction have helped them? If I would have turned them
loose and said nothing to address layouts, hauling, shooting line,
tying, loop planes, line management, etc... Hopefully something we
say, gets them interested enough for a spark of enthusiasm to
search a bit more. We all continue to learn new things in
casting with this "what if" approach.
Good to hear from everybody and hope you all are getting a chance to
wet a fly some these days.
Cheers, Mac
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Mac... CONGRATULATIONS on the
new addition to your family !
I agree with you on Jim's
answer.
We have just started our yearly POON
FEST. Ten anglers as my guests, 5 flats skiffs, a week of tarpon
fishing with some bonefishing and permit thrown in. Lots of dinner
stories, etc.
Gordy |
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"HANG TIME" / LOOP SHAPE
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From Tony Loader..........