A Final Wrap

Reflecting upon the previous semester that has gone all too quickly, it appears that we have learnt much as to what it takes to become an expert pedagogue. But really, it is simply the tip of the iceberg. We have covered many areas, such as the teacher as a performer, planning a program and even produsing resources (not a typo there, just a flash new term!) and even attempted to learn from the very best coaches in the world. It has been a great experience to learn all these things and attempt to weave them into a product that is complete and makes sense mentally.

For me, the next step is practically applying these concepts and practices to the real world of coaching that I am entering. I have a previous understanding of areas such as periodisation and the coach as a performer, so by focusing on these 'strengths' in my coaching repertoire I can develop the other newer concepts of mine through the experience of coaching.

I feel that this unit has been completely worthwhile. The presentation of the unit has been different from others, in that the information is not laid out clearly and directly in front of you. It is there, you can understand it, but it requires some immediate thought and reflection and I feel that this locks the information into the mind more securely. I plan to even use this in my coaching of athletes, trying to guide them to an answer without providing it easily.

The focus on technology throughout the unit has also opened my eyes further. There are many resources out there to both produce and produse. It's exciting to now that the technology encompassed in an iPhone would have been only available to elite athletes a handful of years ago. Apps and cameras as well as accelerometers that can be used provide a wide data base of data just waiting to be explored.

One topic that has truly stuck with me is the idea of mentorship. Too often have I seen mentor programs being forced upon people and being a rigid, square process progressing nowhere but backwards. If it were up to me, and hey this is my blog so no-one else is going to say it, mentorship can be a highly beneficial idea if it is developed fluidly. By allowing people to be drawn magnetically together, whether it be young to old, experienced to inexperienced, new recruits to experienced veterans, this will allow a deeper level of understanding as the authority has been taken away, making the system voluntary and thus removing the chore from it. Then, it is up to both the mentor and the mentoree to make the most of the situation that they have found themselves in. One wonders when this mentor - mentoree relationship is established? What makes it happen? A simple smile and piece of advice or is it more respect based. Does the mentoree see the actions of the mentor and ask for a slice of that cake?

Whilst there is much that my inexperienced self it still to learn, I feel I have learnt more from Keith Lyons than I could have anybody else in this unit. I have worked with two brilliant coaches now, the first being Keith and the second being Cal Bruton, the basketball premiership player and coach and NBL hall of famer. If these two coaches were to coach a single team, they would be the most skilful on and off the field, court or surface of any kind, and one of the most respected in their league.

A pedagogue understands. And therefore, I understand.