Instructional Format

We unlock the potential in each
and every student by tapping into
their diverse strengths.

lecture + lab

Instruction at the American Academy of Personal Training extends beyond classroom lectures. At the core of our curriculum is the integration of scientific theory and practical application, which consists of bringing classroom lectures to life in our state-of-the-art fitness centers. During lab, students are exposed to a wide range of exercise equipment and are encouraged to explore the limits of the facility and their own creativity to develop solutions for individual training scenarios.

In the classroom, teachers make use of various forms of media and information delivery methods to accommodate varying learning styles. Lectures are presented both verbally and visually via white board and slide projection, and are accompanied by class discussion and hands-on activities.

student evaluation

Individual student progress is evaluated regularly with non-graded quizzes. Course grades are based on a graded midterm examination with both written and practical components, a graded final examination with both written and practical components, and a full custom program submission that serves as a final project.

SAVI model

In order to unlock the potential in each and every student, we think it is important to consider the many different ways in which students learn. So we continually ask ourselves:

• How balanced are the instructional methods that we are using?
• Are we favoring one style of learning over another?
• Are we neglecting any learning styles?

Through regular review, we evaluate and revise our teaching methods as needed to maintain a balanced and comprehensive approach that is capable of tapping into the diverse strengths of our students. The SAVI Model is a teacher's guideline to aid in this evaluation process:

	SOMATIC	LEARNING BY DOING
	AUDITORY	LEARNING BY HEARING
	VISUAL	LEARNING BY SEEING
	INTELLECTUAL	LEARNING BY THINKING

ways to encourage somatic learning

• Use projects that encourage moving around and tactile participation
• Take periodic breaks and encourage walking while mulling over content
• Use role-playing
• Have students physically act out concepts
• Encourage students to practice skills they are learning as much as possible on their own

ways to encourage auditory learning

• Create auditory mnemonic devices to help students remember concepts
• Repeat significant terms or ideas out loud, like a mantra
• Have students explain what they are learning to other classmates
• Encourage discussion

ways to encourage visual learning

• Encourage students to take notes during lecture
• Encourage students to create flashcards
• Suggest writing out key concepts on post-it notes and sticking them where they'll be seen often
• Use colors to organize learning information
• Use diagrams, charts, mindmaps and other visual aids to communicate concepts
• Go on field trips to observe real professionals in action
• Demonstrate concepts using gesture, body movement and props

ways to encourage intellectual learning

• Quiz students informally and often on content
• Pose interesting puzzles or challenges to engage students with information
• Have students create lists to organize information into categories
• Have students create diagrams, flowcharts or graphs to illustrate what they are learning, making it coherent, logical and inter-connected
• Use metaphors and analogies
• Have students design ways of testing ideas and theories for their validity
• Ask lots of questions