Building Instructor Versatility

(Formerly named Aerobics: Basic & Creative)

© Copyright 1998 by Pam Germain. All rights reserved.

Online Correspondence Course



Section 1 - Introduction: Basic & Creative Equals Versatility
Section 2 - Cardiovascular Versatility - Aerobic Improvisation
Section 3 - Muscular Endurance & Strength: Group Class Options
Section 4 - Mind/Body Fitness & Flexibility Training
Section 5 - Evaluating Your Instructional Techniques
Correspondence Course Assignments
Online Course Descriptions
"How to Order."


ASSIGNMENTS

There are seven assignments and a final exam for the Building Instructor Versatility continuing education course. If you have ordered this course and been given a student ID number you may begin submitting your assignments. As you do each assignment, submit it on the Assignment Form. Please fill in all the information requested. When you have completed the seven assignments, go to the Exam Page and take the final exam. If you want to print out this assignment page, please do so. Also, remember to bookmark this page for easy access to your assignments!

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Assignment #1

With a volunteer group or class of students, turn on your creativity and do the following exercise.

The group or class helps you build a hi/low or step routine. Use music between 130-145 bpm for LIA/HIA patterns and between 120-128 bpm for step. The members of the group take turns calling out suggested movements. As the first movement is called out, you cue the group to perform the movement. When the second movement is suggested, add it to the first using Reversal technique and the Add-On or Link method. Continue with suggested movements and steps until you have built a pattern. Using the established pattern, use group suggestions to change rhythms, directions, and intensities.

Aerobic Improvisation Exercise:

  1. Group members call out the steps
  2. Instructor (you) builds the pattern
  3. Group members can make rhythm suggestions, too

Write the choreography pattern on paper or a chalk board. This basic pattern is going to be the outline for stylized patterns.

Assignment #2

For the stylization exercise, you will need to find at least three different styles of music at suitable beats per minute to go with styles of movement.
Some examples are:

You and your volunteer group are going to stylize your improvisational pattern from Assignment #1 with at least three of these types of music and some moves that fit. Use this format to brainstorm the style changes:

  1. Visualize a picture - what does the style bring to mind?
  2. Describe the style - example: Salsa is "hot", "red", "spicy"
  3. Brainstorms style steps - ways to change the improvisation steps to look like the style.
    Hint: You only have to change one or two elements to change the "feel" of the pattern.
  4. Insert the style steps into the Aerobic Improvisation pattern - try the changes as a group using the style music

Summary of Assignments #1 & #2

Write a summary about your experience with your students or volunteers and these two assignments. What kind of pattern did you improvise? What kind of music and movement changes did you do to change the style of your pattern? What kind of feedback did you get from the group about these routines?

ASSIGNMENT FORM

Assignment #3

Use this list to refresh your memory about muscles and movement.
First, pair up the opposing muscle groups.
Second, for each muscle group give examples of recommended strength exercises and stretches.

ASSIGNMENT FORM

Assignment #4

Please choose one exercise from the following:

  1. Read through the 7 Muscle Conditioning Design methods. Develop a full body group strength training session that uses at least three of the techniques. Using volunteer students or your class, teach the workout to them, get their feedback and write a summary about your routine and the exercise session.
  2. Select one Interval Equation and design a full body training workout around it. Using volunteer students or your class, teach the workout to them, get their feedback and write a summary about your routine and the exercise session.

ASSIGNMENT FORM

Assignment #5

Design a Mind/Body session using the techniques discussed in this section. If you are experienced with any particular mind/body discipline you may include exercises from it, too. Do the session with your volunteers or students, get their feedback, and write a summary about your routine and the experience of teaching it.

ASSIGNMENT FORM

Assignment #6


Use a group of aerobic students and practice the verbal and hands-on correctional techniques using the exercises below. Discuss the techniques your students feel were the most helpful. Write a one page summary of the session.

  1. Aerobic knee lifts
    Incorrect - Shoulders and torso bending toward the knees
    Correct - Upright alignment, raising the knees toward the chest
  2. Step aerobics - Basic
    Incorrect - Heels hanging off the back edge, a "hovering" posture, stomping
    Correct - Upright alignment, whole foot on the step, stepping lightly
  3. Forward lunges
    Incorrect - Greater than 90 degree knee bend, rounded upper body, fast speed
    Correct - Knees over ankles, back knee drops, upright posture, slow and controlled
  4. Overhead press
    Incorrect - Knees locked, back hyperextended
    Correct - Soft knees, wide stance, abdominals and glutes tight, back natural
  5. Biceps curls
    Incorrect - Rocking back to lift the weight
    Correct - Elbows near the waist, lifting only with the arms, stabilized posture
  6. Elbows/knees leg lifts
    Incorrect - Back hyperextended, lifting glutes higher than back
    Correct - Back flat, hips tight and level. Keep hips level when lifting leg.
  7. Side lying leg lifts
    Incorrect - Rocking back, leg rotating and knee aiming at the ceiling
    Correct - Pelvis and abdominals tight and facing forward, knee faces forward, lift leg in one "piece", bottom leg stays bent.
  8. Abdominal curlups
    Incorrect - Pulling on the head, unstabilized movement, fast and uncontrolled
    Correct - Tighten and stabilize from waist to feet, head rests on hands, lift with abdominal muscles



ASSIGNMENT FORM

Assignment #7

Now that you have done some practical exercises in instructor versatility, review the Workout Checklist. List the areas you feel the need to improve in your classes. Write 2 goals that you have for your teaching techniques and increasing your versatility.

ASSIGNMENT FORM

Now that you have completed the assignments send an E-MAIL requesting the Final Exam. Please include your name and Student ID Number in the message.



Section 1 - Introduction: Basic & Creative Equals Versatility
Section 2 - Cardiovascular Versatility - Aerobic Improvisation
Section 3 - Muscular Endurance & Strength: Group Class Options
Section 4 - Mind/Body Fitness & Flexibility Training
Section 5 - Evaluating Your Instructional Techniques
Correspondence Course Assignments
Online Course Descriptions
"How to Order."


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