The fact that not all students meet the cookie cutter curricula is a failure of the curricula, not of the student who has to see something a few extra times to master it. The student shouldn't be required to pay extra to make up for a curricula that expects first or second time mastery.
It is not a failure on the part of the curricula, it has been proven that it works as thousands of people from age 10 on have easily passed it. It is on the student to succeed. If they fail to watch the video,read the text,do their homework, how is iit the instructors fault that they fail?
They pay for a course to be taught to them over a set period of time.They did not pay for certification, they must EARN it. If they cannot keep up with the rest of the class they should pay for any extra time they require to get it right. why should the instructor be penalized for a student who shows up unprepared or actually lies about their ability to simply be able to swim?
As to "first or second time mastery, the student hears and does same/similar skills at least NINE TIMES during a open water course , thats just for academics and pool. If they do not "get it" after that should they truly be diving?
The problem isn't students tipping, or the quality of instructors teaching (necessarily). The problem is that you're course price isn't set sufficiently high to pay you what you want to make for the level of attention you want to give to your students.
Most are priced at what the market will bear. If you sell a course for $500. and the guy 2 miles away sells same course for $250. where do you think people will go?
Some instructors put the maximum number of students in their class to make up in volume what they're not getting in price. But for those who really love the teaching, having a couple students is more rewarding, but doesn't pay a living wage.
Nothing wrong with putting maximum number of students in a class as long as you stay in standards on the number allowed and the facility has the space for them. You can love teaching and make money too.
Maybe instead of expecting a tip, you offer a premium low student ratio (one on one?) service at a higher price.
We do.Its called private. Student picks day and time that works for their schedule. I have 24hour/7 day a week access to our indoor heated pool. I still get tips for this schedule.Usually at a much higher rate.
---------- Post added May 8th, 2013 at 08:42 AM ----------
Isn't the logical recourse for any instructor who thinks he is under paid to raise their rate? Or does that bring up the possibility that potential students will go somewhere else because of a lower rate?
Expecting a tip as an instructor has never been something I ever considered.
I guess you can't have it both ways.
If an instructor thinks they are being under paid why not do something else,if you say you do it because you enjoy it,you like seeing a person breathe underwater,you like to see the enthusiasm in someone on scuba,etc.,etc.,etc.,then be happy with what you make.
It seems that with some instructors it is all about MONEY.
It is a business..I have been teaching part time and full time since 1971...How many instructors pay for their insurance and stay active in teaching for that long if they are not making money at it?
You can find the joy in teaching someone to dive and make money at it at the same time. At the end of the day personal satisfaction does not pay the bills.
I have seen alot of good instructors quit teaching because it actually costs them money to teach people to dive.