10109135Leadership Strategies in Fitness, Recreation, & Wellness
Course Information
Description
This course is designed to provide theoretical knowledge and practical skills in preparation for a national certification exam in group fitness instruction. Topics include guidelines for instructing safe, effective, and purposeful exercise, essentials of the instructor–participant relationship, principles of motivation to encourage adherence in the group fitness setting, effective instructor-to-participant communication techniques, methods for enhancing group leadership, and the group fitness instructor’s (GFI’s) professional role.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Explore diverse leadership roles and your present and future leadership role in the industry
    Assessment Strategies
    Case study, reflection, group discussion, self-assessment
    Criteria
    define leadership, servant leadership, and diverse leadership
    examine the impact of history and experience on leadership roles
    examine leaders in the industry and their leadership styles
    identify at least five values of your cultural heritage
    identify at least five ways age, race, ethnicity, gender, gender-orientation, and physical and cognitive ability has influenced the way you perceive yourself
    analyze how your self-perception impacts your learning and leadership
    identify your present and future leadership role in the industry

  2. Examine leadership styles and discuss theories to practice
    Assessment Strategies
    Case Study, Self Assessment
    Criteria
    analyze different leadership styles and their impact on the industry
    discuss theories to practices
    discuss the role of a leader in initiating change and helping others to adjust to change
    discuss the roles of empowering and delegating as effective leadership skills

  3. Discuss strategies to enhance the value of group dynamics and communication skills
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration, Reflection, Facilitation Exercises
    Criteria
    Demonstrate awareness of cultural identity, cultivating inclusivity and implementing culturally relevant services for diverse needs.
    Demonstrate awareness and self-reflexive understanding of the complex intersectionality of identities that impact perception of self and others.
    Describe the lifecycle of the group
    Communicate effectively with members of diverse populations
    Examine the impact of bias and behavior on relationships (personal and group)

  4. Analyze difficult behaviors and how to manage those from a leadership role
    Assessment Strategies
    Reflection and Scenario Response
    Criteria
    Analyze nonverbal communication and how it relates to leisure studies
    Examine the relationships between managing and motivating participant behaviors
    Discuss social and professional issues affecting fitness and recreation leaders.
    Discuss the complexities inherent in ethical leadership
    Define and evaluate the servant-leader’s role in our industry

  5. Explore individual leadership traits and take the opportunity to lead facilitation activities
    Assessment Strategies
    Facilitation Exercises and Self-Assessment
    Criteria
    Prepare for the session by participating in group work
    Demonstrate time management and respectful collaborative skills
    Create a supportive, inclusive, and equitable environment
    Manage the group process and facilitate participation from all group members
    Elicit discussion while stimulating one’s own reasoning and problem solving skills
    Foster learning by emphasizing purpose, relevance, value, or key content
    Examine competencies of risk management in direct leadership roles

  6. Analyze leader profiles from Fitness and Recreation professionals from across the globe
    Assessment Strategies
    Cases Studies and Mentor Interview
    Criteria
    Analyze immigrant experiences, language diversity, and global perspectives on race, ethnicity, and legacies of colonialism
    Create an individualized career roadmap and identify experience needed for success
    Interview and identify a mentor in the industry that can help you reach your goals and aspirations