Topic 1: What is Teaching? What is Learning?

Understand yourself as a learner?

What was the reason for your learning? Did it just happen or was it planned?
The main reason for my learning was that I wanted my level 2 in Rugby League Coaching. I had planned to do this course along time ago but due to a variety of reasons was unable too.

Were you anticipating success? Was your motivation intrinsic or extrinsic?
Yeah I was definitely anticipating success as Rugby League has been a major part of my life and I felt that I had the required knowledge of the game to pass the course. The motivation was more intrinsic than anything as I really would love to be a coach after I have finished playing.

Was it a useful or desirable thing to learn?
I thought that the course was definitely both useful and desirable as it provided me with the extra knowledge needed to successfully transition from a player to a coach.

Was it a rote type of learning or was it more about using and understanding the information?
It was more about using and understanding the information as in order to teach these skills a certain level of understanding must be involved. The course had alot of demonstrations involved throughout. The demonstrations were not only performed by the facilitator but all participants had to demonstrate the skills also.

What sort of aids did you have for the learning?
The course utilised a variety of aids from powerpoint presentations, DVD's, coach talks, practical demonstrations etc.

Who did you learn from?
The course was facilitated by the Central Queensland Coaching and Development officer. It also featured demonstrations from the Central QLD Comets coach.

How did you know you were successful in learning?
Throughout the course I was given regular feedback on what I was doing well and what I needed improvement in. I also had to undertake a both a written and practical test at the conclusion of the course. I was succesful in completing the course as I recieved the certificate in the mail just recently.