*** Exercise 1 ***

For some reason (it certainly wasn't from training because they didn't show us this way..... I just forgot how they did it), I always thought that you had to have students point out all the controls before they mounted the bike, then get on and point them out all over again and operate them.

It's the part that says, "Walk around motorcycle identifying controls." I remember having them point out everything. I would read the entire list right from handlebars to ignition switch. Then they would get on and do it all over again!

Now I realize that that instruction is for them to do on their own. It's a discovery process for them. You don't need to hold their hands right then (DON'T CREATE A DEPENDENT LEARNER!). The RC then has them "Identify and manipulate the following.........." So why would you have them do it before they mount, too? It's just a waste of time.

Hello, McFly?!! RTFC!!!

My other thought on 1 is that we should make it light and fun. Sure, they've got to learn this stuff, but I think it can become a bore if the RC delivers it too dry. For me, it helps to remember that for beginners who are on a bike for the first time, it's a real thrill. As for experienced riders, the RC doesn't have to apologize for boring them as long as it's fun. Also, I've found that most of them go for the key and neutral instead of doing THUMB-KEY-VALVE when they shut down. Learning a new way that makes good sense might make them realize that the curriculum has something to offer everyone on every exercise, even if it's something as simple as using the front brake when you mount/dismount. That might open them up a bit to get all they can out of the BRC.