Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Practice Exam

Which teaching strategy involves the instructor giving maximum direction and control?

1. Reciprocal teaching

2. Explain, demonstrate, practice

3. Task setting

4. Direct instruction

The correct answer is: Direct instruction

The teaching strategy that involves the instructor giving maximum direction and control is direct instruction. This method is characterized by the instructor leading the learning process by providing clear guidance, structured lessons, and explicit directions. In direct instruction, the teacher presents information in a systematic way, often using a lecture format or demonstration to convey specific skills or concepts to students. This approach is particularly effective for teaching foundational skills, where learners benefit from clear examples and step-by-step directions. In the context of water safety instruction, for instance, this might mean instructing students on how to properly perform a specific swimming technique, with the instructor closely monitoring performance and providing immediate feedback to ensure understanding and skill acquisition. The other methods mentioned offer different levels of instructor involvement and student independence. For example, reciprocal teaching emphasizes collaboration and dialogue between students and instructors, while explain, demonstrate, practice provides a more balanced approach where the instructor shares information but allows for student practice and exploration. Task setting involves giving students the autonomy to work on specific tasks, allowing them to take more control over their learning process.