| Woz,
I am currently working my way towards qualifying as an examiner, I have my first "live" event weekend after next (quiver!!)
You need to remember the 4 essential criteria for a practical lesson
It has to be safe
It has to be technically correct
It has to be effective
It has to be progressive
These handily make the word STEP! You basically have to hit all these criteria to pass. There are then some less essential criteria which help you to a merit, such as a SEEDS brief, a REAP debrief, lesson full of demo/do, correct time management.
My advice to you is to make sure you have the potential lessons planned so when you get your lesson assigned you can dive straight into your notes and transfer it to your slate. Use SEEDS (in any order, as long as it is all there) to do a briefing and make sure you demo everything and then get your students to mimic as much as possible i.e kitting up, buddy check, entry, exit etc. Use a shot line for control on the surface, during ascent and descent and as a datum underwater. Make sure you keep everyone together underwater and remember to refer to your slate so you do not forget steps. Keep your students close and ensure demos are seen by all students, "double demoing" where necessary. Make sure you correct any faults your students make as this shows effectiveness. Don't worry about getting to the end of your lesson, just put anything outstanding in the preview section of your debrief.
All in all, relax and make sure you are prepared! Good luck, I hope you do well!
Paul |