Teaching II

Course Name: Teaching II

Prerequisites: Successful Completion of Teaching I

Description:
This course emphasizes and develops techniques for effective teaching and provides many opportunities for students to begin developing an "educated eye". Students become familiar with teaching techniques related to Western, Dressage and Jumping, as well as other content areas. Skills developed include: recognizing effective models of instruction, meeting individual learner needs, and planning programs. Students are provided with many opportunities to observe and assist professional instructors and to practice the fundamentals of teaching.

Weekly Topics:

Week 1: Review of lesson plan structure and modifications for arena riding lessons. Assignment of quarterly internships. Introduction to riding journals–theory, physical, emotional
Week 2: Topics in #2-10 are often continuous and progressive: Beginner instruction – teaching children through games; relaxation of the nervous rider; scheduling of horses and riders; methods of instruction
Week 3: Instructional methods including Sally Swift’s Program of Centered Riding; Rider development “The Four Basics”; repetition of instruction to improve theory to practice
Week 4: Lunging the Rider for Skill Development; understanding joint and muscles of the rider; visual presentation of portfolio & putting it together; breaking large skills into smaller skills
Week 5: Teaching using a sequence of steps; review of Philosophy of Education; rewrite personal philosophy; steps of rider proper leg development
Week 6: Presentation of midterm portfolio; evaluation of eye development and internship changes; development of safety notebook
Week 7: Skills-based resume; improving coordination of hip on bucking machine; steps of the hip/upper body development
Week 8: Advanced eye development for seat work; positioning of rider vs. affecting the horse; designing lesson plans to meet student needs
Week 9: Planning a series of four lessons for student new to discipline; adult vs. child learners; basic equipment in three disciplines (Western, Dressage, and Jumping)
Week 10: Improving and Teaching ½ halts; developing abdominal strength
Week 11: Developing of lecture series for clinic or workshop; teaching the beginning of the training tree
Week 12: Presentation of final portfolio; review; self evaluation

Performance Objectives:
Following successful completion of the Teaching II course, the student will be able to:

• Riding Lesson
• plan, write and execute basic riding lesson plans, using a proper lesson plan format
• design lessons to meet specific student needs and interests
• utilize arena space for safety & efficiency
• sequence lessons to meet goals
• break complex riding skills into a series of smaller, basic skills
• divide attention between groups
• maintain structure of a command class
• modify lesson plans to meet student’s immediate needs
• Communication Skills
• project voice to teach a lesson effectively
• communicate a lesson for ½ hr without pauses
• comfortably repeat instruction, as needed
• describe a simple skill in many ways using direct instruction, imagery, and exercises
• Rider Development
• identify sixteen major muscle groups and identify functions of muscle groups for a rider
• analyze sections of riders’ body and determine accuracy of position in halt, walk, trot, and canter
• suggest ways to change body positions & describe/record observations and make recommendations for changes in body positions
• self-assess one’s own body position & make necessary changes, as needed
• Portfolio Development
• revise his/her educational philosophy to include concepts learned in Teaching II
• have completed a minimum of 12 complete lesson plans
• have completed a safety handbook, which includes rules for arena etiquette, barn safety, and horse handling safety

Methods:
In order for students to acquire the knowledge and skills of Teaching II, the instructor will use a variety of teaching methods including: expository learning, discussion, demonstration, & guided practice. In addition to classroom work, students will observe professional educators at the school teaching students of varied abilities in all riding disciplines.

Evaluation:
Students will be evaluated on their knowledge & skills through the following projects and products:

• Development and Delivery of Lessons
• Riding Journal
• Rider Development Assignments
• Internship Requirements & Logbook
• Portfolio Presentation

Formative assessments will be used to guide the teaching/learning process and will allow students to monitor their progress throughout the course. Performance on formative & summative assessments will be used to assign grades & determine student readiness to progress to the next level. Attendance and class participation will also be considered.