PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

What should your approach be if a student diver is struggling with a skill?

1. Take over immediately

2. Encourage them to attempt it again

3. Ignore the problem

4. Critique their efforts harshly

The correct answer is: Encourage them to attempt it again

When a student diver is struggling with a skill, the best approach is to encourage them to attempt it again. This method helps to build the student's confidence and reinforces the idea of persistence in overcoming challenges. Diving skills can be complex and may take time to master, so supportive encouragement allows the student to feel safe while they practice without the added pressure of immediate perfection. By suggesting that they try again, you foster an environment of learning and resilience. This allows the student diver to reflect on their earlier attempts and apply any feedback they have received, helping them improve their technique gradually. Encouragement not only enhances their learning experience but also strengthens the instructor-student relationship, which is vital in a training setting.