Teaching Skills
Instructors are considered Professional Faculty by OSU.
In actual fact, we truly are professionals in our craft.
In many professions, continuing education is required to maintain certification. Even if it weren’t required, one would expect that a professional in any business would make efforts to stay at the top of their game.
While Team Oregon does not always require instructors to attend these updates, the same principle nonetheless holds true. As professionals in the world of motorcycle safety education, we owe it to our fellow instructors and, more particularly, our customers, to maintain high standards of performance.
Instructor Updates
One provision for quality assurance and continuing education is the Instructor Update. These updates are given at the beginning of each training season. Sessions are held in multiple locations and recorded to make it more convenient for instructors to attend. Instructor Updates are a great way to help keep our professionalism at a high level.
This year there will be a two-hour mandatory, paid update covering student success, making Range Day 1 easier and safer, what’s new in 2024 and review of critical policies and procedures. Watch for a formal invitation to come in January 2024.
2024 Instructor Updates
| Date | Location | Mandatory Update |
|---|---|---|
| 1/20 | Zoom | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. |
| 2/17 | Albany | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. |
| 3/2 | Oregon City | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. |
| 3/9 | Medford | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. |
| 4/20 | Oregon City | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. |
| 4/27 | Redmond | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. |
Precision Timing and Scoring Clinics
When we administer the skill evaluation, we are administering a state licensing exam. Perfect or near-perfect accuracy is paramount. We represent Team Oregon and the State of Oregon, along with the Department of Transportation and Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV). Accurately conducting, scoring, recording and debriefing the skill test is critical to both our relationships with our state partners and our students.
This 2-hour instructor clinic will pair you with other instructors (hint: Invite a friend!) to demonstrate and discuss key points of the skill evaluation. The course architect, Training Manager Mike Heinen, has thrown in a little friendly competition to keep it lighthearted and fun. While we encourage everyone to attend, the clinic is voluntary and unpaid.
Here’s a review of the PTSC from a 20+ year instructor: “I highly recommend this clinic! To those of you who think you’ve got your scoring nailed down tight, I’ll bet you an ice cream cone there are a few things you are actually scoring wrong. It’s not called Precision Timing & Scoring for nothin’!”
2024 Precision Timing and Scoring Clinics
Please register in advance. You will receive a confirmation from the office.
| Date | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 3/17 | Oregon City | 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. |
| 4/21 | Albany | 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. |
| 5/19 | Bend | 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. |
| 9/22 | Medford | 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. |
Demo Practice
Six ranges are open to instructors on Sunday nights at 5:00 p.m. for demo practice. From early March through late October, ranges in Albany, Bend, Eugene 1, Medford, Mt. Hood and Oregon City 2 are reserved for instructors to hone their craft.
Demo practice is provided throughout the training season to keep your skills sharp, learn new demos (RRT, PMC, etc.) and for mentors to work with apprentices and interns. And on that note: For safety’s sake, don’t practice alone.
Advance notice is required to use the Bend range (gate remains locked otherwise) — call the office at least 10 days prior. For the other five sites, no reservation is necessary. Come as you are!
Demo Practice Schedule
For all sites but Bend, there is no need to register in advance. To use the Bend range, call the office at least 10 days prior.
| Dates | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sundays Mar-Oct | Albany | 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. |
| Sundays Mar-Oct | Bend | 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. |
| Sundays Mar-Oct | Eugene 1 | 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. |
| Sundays Mar-Oct | Medford | 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. |
| Sundays Mar-Oct | Mt. Hood | 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. |
| Sundays Mar-Oct | Oregon City 2 (Blue) | 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. |
Instructor Prep – Classroom
Classroom is arguably the most important part of our rider training and education program. It’s in the classroom where we can mold the mental skills that are so critical for safe motorcycle operation. Mental skills always come first – physical skills follow. We always want physical skills to be up to potential challenges but, in many cases, the challenge wouldn’t have presented itself had the mental skills been sharper.c
Classroom IP will teach you valuable facilitation skills. Students are like sponges in that they soak up information. The challenge isn’t just to impart new information, however. Often the students already have information and beliefs that are inaccurate. You will learn the art of guided discussion, which is a process of asking questions designed to draw students out and evaluate their understanding. This allows the opportunity to either validate correct understanding or to replace it with accurate information. You will also learn how to create a safe learning environment that allows opportunity to influence attitudes, as well.
To request an invite to IP-C, contact the training manager.
Lane Placement Training Video
The proper methods for effective teaching of lane placement in the classroom. After reviewing the video, please complete the follow up quiz.
SIPDE Training Video
Proper methods for effective teaching of SIPDE in the classroom. Note that this video features the old overhead-type slides. The new transparencies use video, and the timing is automatic. After reviewing the video, please complete the followup quiz.
DMV and ODOT Information
DMV and ODOT Information Below are links to news and information from our partners in motorcycle safety Driver and Motor Vehicles (DMV), Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Oregon Parks and Recreation (OPRD). If you have questions about this information, please visit that agency’s official website or contact the Team Oregon communications manager.
- DMV Website
Motorcycle endorsement and training requirements, motorcycle manual, title and registration, etc. - DMV Identity Requirements
Review the most current requirements on the DMV website. - DMV License Plates, Motorcycle/Scooter vs. Moped
October 2008: Guidelines for identifying the difference between mopeds, which are not allowed in any training course, and motorcycles. Note: Specialty motorcycle plates (Ham radio, antique, disabled veteran) do not differentiate between motorcycles and mopeds. - Governor’s Advisory Committee (GAC) on Motorcycle Safety
ODOT partners closely with the GAC to improve motorcycle safety in Oregon. - ODOT Website
The ODOT Transportation Safety Division motorcycle safety website, learn about our partner in Salem and their ongoing efforts to reduce motorcycle crashes, injuries and fatalities. - Oregon Motorcycle Laws
Laws, regulations and equipment requirements for motorcycles, scooters and mopeds. - Oregon Parks and Recreation (OPRD) – RideATVOregon
Licensing requirements and online safety training for operating off-road vehicles on public lands.
If you have additional questions regarding DMV, ODOT or OPRD information, contact Pat Hahn.
Pat Hahn
888-370-7990 ext. 5 or 541-737-9113