ACA Paddle Sports Program Design & Curriculum Development

Question 1

In ACA curriculum design, what does the 'whole-part-whole' teaching method involve?

Accepted Answer

Teaching the complete skill overview, isolating specific components for practice, then reintegrating the full skill

Answer

Having three instructors teach simultaneously to cover more content

Answer

Teaching only partial demonstrations to encourage student discovery

Answer

Reviewing past sessions in full before each new topic is introduced

Question 2

Which student-to-instructor ratio does ACA typically recommend for beginner flatwater kayaking courses?

Accepted Answer

8:1

Answer

4:1

Answer

6:1

Answer

12:1

Question 3

What is the primary benefit of using guided discovery as a teaching method in ACA paddling instruction?

Accepted Answer

Students develop problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of techniques

Answer

It significantly reduces on-water teaching time

Answer

It eliminates the need for safety demonstrations

Answer

It is most effective only with experienced paddlers

Question 4

When planning an ACA beginner kayaking course, which topic should be prioritized in the very first session?

Accepted Answer

Safety procedures, wet exit, and basic boat control

Answer

Advanced rolling technique

Answer

Surf zone navigation and entry

Answer

Multi-day trip planning and navigation

Question 5

In ACA instructional design, what does 'progressive skill building' primarily mean?

Accepted Answer

Introducing increasingly complex skills that build upon previously learned foundations

Answer

Teaching the same skill repeatedly until fully mastered before any other topic is introduced

Answer

Moving students through a program based on age rather than demonstrated ability

Answer

Progressing all students through the curriculum at the same pace regardless of skill level

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of clearly defined learning objectives in an ACA paddling lesson plan?

Accepted Answer

To give both instructor and students a shared understanding of what will be achieved

Answer

To satisfy administrative and documentation requirements only

Answer

To provide instructors with material for marketing programs

Answer

To allow students to skip sessions covering content they feel they already know

Question 7

What does ACA recommend as the first step when designing a new paddling program?

Accepted Answer

Defining the target audience, skill level, and desired learning outcomes

Answer

Selecting the specific equipment and boat models to be used in the course

Answer

Booking facility time and securing water access permits

Answer

Creating advertising materials and establishing pricing structure