Communication and Evaluation

Key Points:

Program Coordinator and Swim Instructor Communication

• Communication between the program coordinator and swim instructors is extremely important.
• Swim instructors will need to communicate any issues that might occur with a child or parent so that the program coordinator can address issues if needed.
• When there is open communication between the program coordinator and swim instructor, then the swim lesson program will run much smoother.
• The Program Coordinator will communicate the schedule each session prior to the start date.

Program Coordinator and Parent Communication

• Another form of important communication is between the program coordinator and the parent.
• The program coordinator is on deck interacting with the parents so they are not interrupting class and trying to speak with swim instructors during lessons.
• Issues that arise during swim lessons should be directed to and handled by the program coordinator and then can be addressed with the swim instructor after the lesson.
• Program coordinators need to be visible to parents throughout the lessons.

Swim Instructor and Parent Communication

• Progress reports can be given to participants half way through the swim lessons session to communicate with parents how children are doing. This can be a simple form that swim instructors fill out and hand out to parents letting them know how children are doing.
• Progress reports can be beneficial because they can keep the parents aware of what is going on and lessen the surprise of participants not moving on to the next level.
• Swim instructors should speak briefly with parents after every lesson. They should let the parents know how the lesson went that day and if there is anything the student can work on.

Evaluation and Surveys

• It is the program coordinator's job to provide feedback to swim instructors on how they are doing weekly. This is most important in the first week of lessons so instructors can reevaluate their teaching style and try a different direction the following week if needed.
• Statistics show that parents and participants alike remember the last four days of their classes most of all.
• Corrections early in the session will allow the families to leave on a positive note.
• Handing out surveys for parents to fill out can give the program coordinator and swim instructors an idea of how the program is being viewed by parents and participants alike
• Short one page survey.
• Hand out to parents during the last couple of days of lessons.
• Review the feedback received with individual swim instructors

Activity

1. The following are situations in which you may be involved with parents. Role-play these situations. Then discuss how the situation was handled.
• Child cried frequently in the first two lessons and the instructor must talk to the parent about options for the child since the class does not seem to be working out.
• Parent is upset that instructor is giving too much attention to the child crying in class and not giving enough attention to parent's child.
• Instructor must explain to the parent why the child cannot pass to the next level.
• Parent wants to know what activities can be worked on at home to help the child practice outside of class.
• Parent not happy with the progress her child is making.
• Parent confronts instructor after class saying he/she wants to change instructors.
2. Create a short {10 questions or less) course satisfaction survey for parents and share with the class.