NETWORK
Teaching in the classroom
Having a deep understanding of the subject matter is essential, but being a good instructor requires more than just knowledge
Teaching in the classroom
Effective interaction with students is crucial, both on a personal level and in teaching. Among the many skills instructors need, the ability to impart and assess knowledge in a structured, engaging, and adaptable manner is as vital as having a thorough understanding of the subject matter, extending beyond the syllabus.
The Teaching in the Classroom course delves into the essential skillsets needed to become a classroom-based RYA instructor. The pre-course online module covers key aspects of learning theory and provides practical techniques for student-centered teaching. These techniques are applied, honed, and refined during the classroom course.
To teach any of the RYA shorebased courses, you must complete a ‘Teaching in the Classroom’ course unless you already hold one of the qualifications or appointments listed below. However, completing the Teaching in the Classroom course is highly recommended regardless.
- Yachtmaster™ Instructors
- Trainers in the Dinghy, Keelboat, Multihull, Windsurfing, Wing, Powerboat, Personal Watercraft and Inland Waterways Schemes
- Holders of a valid subject-specific RYA Shorebased Instructor certificate
- Holders of a professional teaching qualification such as PGCE or CertEd
- Holders of IMO Train the Trainer 6.09
The Teaching in the Classroom course must be completed before attendance on any of the following Shorebased Instructor courses (unless you hold one of the qualifications or appointments above):
- RYA Shorebased Navigation Instructor
(required to teach RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship, RYA Day Skipper Theory and RYA Yachtmaster™ Theory courses) - RYA Diesel Engine Instructor
- RYA First Aid Instructor
- RYA Marine Radio (SRC) Assessor
- RYA Radar Instructor
- RYA Basic Sea Survival Instructor
Note: Following a subject specific Shorebased Instructor course, you may receive an action plan task to complete the Teaching in the Classroom course if you haven't already done so.
Qualification summary:
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Pre-course learning |
This course begins with an online pre-learning module which takes approximately one to two hours. You will also be expected to prepare two lessons in the time between completing the online module and attending the classroom session. Lesson subjects can be chosen at the point of booking, they should be relevant to your upcoming subject specific instructor course. |
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Training course |
A one-day classroom session run by an appointed RYA Teaching in the Classroom Trainer. During this session, you will deliver your two lessons with the opportunity to gain feedback from the Trainer. |
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Minimum age |
18 |
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Required teaching qualifications |
No previous teaching experience is required but some experience of teaching or instructing is recommended. |
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Pre-course knowledge and experience |
No previous teaching knowledge is required but you must have instructor level knowledge in at least one of the shorebased courses listed above. |
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Assessment |
While this course is not formally assessed, you will receive constructive feedback on your teaching abilities. Your report from this course will be shared with the Trainer conducting the subject specific Shorebased Instructor training course. |
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Qualified to teach |
This qualification alone does not qualify you to teach any RYA shorebased or practical course – it must be combined with an additional instructor qualification. |
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Validity |
This course does not expire but the shorebased instructor courses that it supports have a five-year validity. |
Additional important information:
- First aid certificate
- RYA Personal Watercraft Proficiency certificate
- Health declaration form or medical questionnaire
RYA Membership is required for your RYA instructor qualification
Note for Yachtmaster Instructors
Although YMIs are not required to complete the ‘Teaching in the Classroom’ course they are required to undertake the two-day ‘Shorebased Navigation Instructor’ course before being able to teach RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship, RYA Day Skipper Theory and RYA Yachtmaster™ Theory courses.
