Hoe ervaren zwemonderwijzers de pedagogische interactie van het zwemonderwijs?

Abstract

In the Netherlands it is usual that children of a young age learn how to swim. It´s important that they learn this in a safe environment where they can develop themselves in a good way. The pedagogical interaction between the swim instructor and the child is seen as an important aspect in this environment. However, there is still little research done on the implementation in practice. This study is in order of the NPZ [Nationaal Platform Zwembaden] and tried to gain insight into the experience of the swim instructors about the pedagogical interaction during the swim-ABC. With this information it is possible to improve the swim-ABC and the education of the swim instructors. Sixteen swim instructors were interviewed in depth about six aspects of the pedagogical interaction. These are the following: sensitive responsiveness, structure and setting limits, respect for the autonomy of the child, stimulation of the development of the child, talk and explain and stimulating interactions between children. The interviews were analysed qualitatively. Results showed that the swimming lessons are seen as a group process, which means that there’s little time for the individual child and the main focus is on learning swimming skills. However, swim instructors are also sensitive, they use structure, have rules and they teach in a fun way. This study underlines the need to give swim instructors pedagogical support.