Ok, you MSF Coaches, or whatever, what am I to expect?

[Rad]

Big changes here in the land of the Gubinator. Our CMSP, California Motorcycle Safety Program, just lost its contract with the State. The winner is MSF. This means in the next 30 to 60 days all of us instructors will get trained in the, "new" to us, BRC.......Ya, we were the only state not use'n it.

Well, what's it like?,
Do ya like it?
Do the students like it?

[MarkF]

What was the previous vender? A true independent foundation with their own studies and theories? Or just a different vender supplying course materials?

MarkF

[Rad]

Originally posted by MarkF
What was the previous vender?

The CMSP program was provided to the State of California by Crain and Associates.

The CMSP program utilized a modified MSF program. Almost all the classroom materials were the same as MSF. The primary difference came in the range exercises. CMSP eliminated some range exercises and modified others, particularly in regards to instructor position and range supervision.

My understanding is some of the key individuals responsible for creating the original MSF curriculum developed and operated the CMSP program.

I guess CMSP will stay; it will be operated now by MSF using the new BRC curriculum

[kbasa]

A friend of mine is a program coordinator for the MSF, down in LA.

Rad, let me know if you want me to put you in touch with him. He's a first order of magnitude enthusiast, just like us. I met him when we were both Yankee Beemers in Boston.

He's crazy fast with a Tonka truck too.
http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/1022361-M.jpg

[dbrick]

Dave,

Will he be at DVD IX?

[kbasa]

Originally posted by dbrick
Dave,

Will he be at DVD IX?

No. Not this time.

[rottenbiker]

Hi, I have been teaching as an instructor since '95 Ct changed over '02 and completed transfer to BRC this yr. It is so much more fun for the students!!! as well as less stressful for Rider coaches. It puts more of the responsibility for learning process on the rider, and because of our less imposing position, I have found my students stop and ask what is is they are doing wrong when they see others "getting" it and they aren't. and if they aren't attaining the skill level they need to pass, they realize it and usually why. And are less upset about it if they find they will need another class to get all that they need to accomplish the course. I have taught 2 seasons of it now and had to do an old MRC at a range in another state I teach in,...big difference and wouldn't want to go back there. horray for change!!:clap

[Rad]

Originally posted by rottenbiker
I have taught 2 seasons of it now and had to do an old MRC at a range in another state I teach in,...big difference and wouldn't want to go back there. horray for change!!:clap

Thanks for he feedback rotten

I'm kinda look'n forward to the range changes...I'm not so sure 'bout the classroom changes

[dbrick]

Interesting. I feel just the opposite: the classroom changes seem doable, but I've got some apprehension about providing less direction to students on the range. Well, we shall see, shan't we?

[knary]

Originally posted by dbrick
Interesting. I feel just the opposite: the classroom changes seem doable, but I've got some apprehension about providing less direction to students on the range. Well, we shall see, shan't we?

Last I heard, not all states haveadopted the BRC until some changes were made. The biggest concern I've heard voiced is that the class will depend, more than ever, on excellent coaches. The old program, with it's rote learning, is easier to instruct well for the less facile instructors.

or so I've heard. I haven't taught since moving to Oregon.(time, priorities, etc)

[rottenbiker]

The classroom is very different and fun, I don't feel I am just feeding info and not knowing if it is getting there until the test. I do games and groups and after about the 1st 7 classes was much more comfortable, knowing your material was the most important part of that for me. As with the range yes I feel the rider coach has to be able to recognize what will help the rider change. I am all for asking them to think about what it is they are doing and putting it back in their hands to recognize and correct what they are doing. I am seeing them doing so much more quickly. And surprisingly the riders who are struggling (unless they are a hazzard to themselves and others) learn. And with less in your face coaching they seem under less stress. Try to go into this with an open mind, and have fun with it. My coaching to help still goes back to head to toe for evaluating but over the classes I have taught I have always found that my worst riders will improve with coaching only the single most problem and then encouraging and giving them something good they are doing as well. You will find the BRC gives you more time to evaluate, gives them more riding time, and I am seeing better riders coming out of the class. The classroom can be interesting at 1st, but I think each coach falls into what works best for them, know your material then experiment, it can be so much fun!! And they teach each other!!! I have found even my quiet students can't sit back and not be involved and I try and split up my groups to deal with that. And as for the guy who "knows" it all well guess what he becomes your helper.

[Montana]

We were one of the first states to convert, this will be our fourth season using the BRC. I am not a coach but I am on the state board of advisors, so sometimes I observe. I've seen that it is quicker to get the students on the bikes and lets adults work some things out for themselves with your direction instead of all talk. There seems to be more exercise time, which is a request on almost every student's class evaluation comment sheet. For our schedule, it eliminated Friday night classroom time - now it's Sat and Sun only.

It has been a tough transition for some "instructors" to become "coaches," especially those that have good classroom patter and delivery. There is some flexibility in how you teach and that can be confusing and/or frustrating. The new overall concept is less militaristic and more educational.

[Rad]

Originally posted by Montana The new overall concept is less militaristic and more educational.
:eek You mean my training in the BRC will not be like boot camp as was my original training :bliss

[rottenbiker]

It's a kinder, gentlier MSF:)