/Swim Instructor/ Interview Questions
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Tell me about a time when you had to adapt your teaching approach to meet the needs of a particular student.

Swim Instructor Interview Questions
Tell me about a time when you had to adapt your teaching approach to meet the needs of a particular student.

Sample answer to the question

I had a young student who was struggling with learning the breaststroke. At first, I tried to teach the stroke using the same approach I used with other students. However, it became clear that this approach wasn't working for him. I noticed that he was having difficulty coordinating his arm and leg movements. So, I decided to adapt my teaching approach and break down the stroke into smaller components. I focused on teaching him the arm movements first, making sure he understood the proper technique. Once he had mastered the arm movements, I then introduced the leg movements. This approach allowed him to practice each component separately and gradually put them together. With time and practice, he was able to successfully perform the breaststroke. By adapting my teaching approach to meet his specific needs, I was able to help him overcome his challenges and improve his swimming skills.

A more solid answer

During my time as a swim instructor, I encountered a student who was struggling with the butterfly stroke. They were having difficulty coordinating their arm and leg movements, resulting in an inefficient and tiring stroke. I initially tried teaching the stroke using traditional methods, but it became clear that this approach wasn't working for the student. To address this, I took a different approach. I used my strong swimming abilities to demonstrate the correct technique and provided a step-by-step breakdown of the stroke. I emphasized the importance of body positioning, timing, and coordination. Additionally, I utilized my organizational skills to create detailed lesson plans tailored to the student's needs. I incorporated various drills and exercises to target their specific areas of improvement. Through careful observation, I identified the specific areas where the student struggled and provided individualized feedback and guidance. By adapting my teaching approach to meet the student's needs, I was able to help them overcome their difficulties and improve their butterfly stroke.

Why this is a more solid answer:

This is a solid answer because it provides specific details about the candidate's strong swimming abilities, organizational skills, observational skills, and ability to teach various swimming strokes and techniques. The answer demonstrates their adaptability in adjusting their teaching approach to address the student's specific needs. However, it could be further improved by including more information about the candidate's patience and ability to create a supportive and fun learning environment.

An exceptional answer

I had a young student who was struggling with learning the backstroke. They were having difficulty maintaining a straight body position and coordinating their arm and leg movements. After trying the traditional teaching approach without success, I decided to take a hands-on approach. I used my strong swimming abilities to demonstrate the correct technique, showing the student how to properly position their body and move their arms and legs in a synchronized manner. To address their specific needs, I designed a series of progressive exercises that focused on body awareness and coordination. I incorporated visual aids, such as diagrams and videos, to enhance their understanding of the technique. I also utilized my organizational skills to create a personalized practice plan for the student, which included targeted drills and repetition. Throughout the process, my observational skills allowed me to identify the areas where the student was struggling and provide immediate feedback and encouragement. By adapting my teaching approach and employing a combination of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning strategies, the student was eventually able to master the backstroke and gain confidence in the water.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

This is an exceptional answer because it provides extensive details about the candidate's strong swimming abilities, organizational skills, observational skills, and ability to teach various swimming strokes and techniques. The answer showcases their adaptability in taking a hands-on approach and utilizing a combination of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning strategies to meet the specific needs of the student. It demonstrates their ability to create a supportive and fun learning environment for the student. Additionally, the answer highlights their ability to utilize technology, such as diagrams and videos, to enhance the student's understanding of the technique.

How to prepare for this question

  • Reflect on past experiences where you had to adapt your teaching approach to meet the needs of a particular student. Think about the specific challenges faced by the student and how you addressed them.
  • Familiarize yourself with various swimming strokes and techniques. Be prepared to discuss your proficiency in teaching these strokes and techniques.
  • Demonstrate your organizational skills by creating sample lesson plans tailored to the needs of individual students.
  • Practice providing specific examples of how you have utilized your observational skills to identify areas of improvement and provide individualized feedback.
  • Highlight your ability to create a supportive and fun learning environment. Discuss how you have encouraged student engagement and motivation during your teaching sessions.
  • Stay updated with the latest swimming techniques and teaching methods by attending professional development opportunities and conducting independent research.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Adaptability
  • Strong swimming abilities
  • Patience
  • Organizational skills
  • Observational skills
  • Teaching various swimming strokes and techniques

Related Interview Questions

More questions for Swim Instructor interviews