What is the primary role of instructor-led practice?

The primary role of instructor-led practice is to guide participants through each step of the skill. This method emphasizes hands-on learning where instructors can demonstrate techniques, provide immediate feedback, and ensure that participants understand the correct procedures.

During this practice, instructors can observe participants, correct any misunderstandings, and reinforce correct methods, which is crucial for skills that require precision and safety, such as those taught in lifeguarding or first aid. The interactive nature of instructor-led practice fosters a supportive learning environment, allowing participants to ask questions and gain confidence as they learn.

In contrast, independent work does not provide the structured guidance needed for developing critical skills. Focusing solely on theory would leave participants without practical experience, which is essential for mastering skills they may need to use in real-life situations. Lastly, encouraging competition among participants could detract from the collaborative learning experience, which is vital in skill acquisition and may lead to anxiety rather than skill mastery.