NRA Instructor change for Basic Pistol class

[Bat Guano]

For the most part, I doubt that many people today are very teachable. As to why, feel free to speculate...

Big difference between a "motivated learner" and a seat warmer. I don't make a real good missionary, which is probably a character flaw. Now if you have someone who has had a real wake-up call and whose eyes are still as big as saucers--they will probably pay real attention and hang on your every word. For them, or the already committed folks--I tend to tell them to Google up Gunsite or some such. I've got old NRA instructors' certificates and experience, but with one thing or another it's pretty clear that they have their own ideas on how it should be done.

I suppose when the Imperial storm troopers show up the motivation will be kicking in.

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

CARRY OVER??

Wonder if this will carry over to the range safety officer class of instruction??

 

[Rastoff]

I don't advertise my classes very hard. Consequently, I don't teach a lot of basic pistol classes. However, I did just sign up a couple of ladies.

I don't see where the on-line thing has started yet so, I'm just going forward with business as usual.

 

[H Richard]

J.R. it is my feelings that eventually ALL NRA instruction will be by this new On-Line instruction. Then they expect us to do the hands on shooting qualifications for someone that has maybe never loaded a handgun before?? Not me.

 

[Gaffer]

I sympathize with the good instructors about this change. However our world is changing and many students do not want to spend the hours the old curriculum required. I have been an instructor for many years and have seen it all, the good and bad. There were and are poor instructors, who take shortcuts and don't do a thorough job at training.
I have had my beefs with the NRA many times and have written to LaPierre directly to get things resolved. They are no better than the public at large. Those who suspect this a money making idea may be right and only time will tell. Most state training packages are going to on-line training as well.
If your unhappy don't just sate so on these forums, write to the NRA and tell them as well. It is the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.

 

[NYlakesider]

I sympathize with the good instructors about this change. However our world is changing and many students do not want to spend the hours the old curriculum required. I have been an instructor for many years and have seen it all, the good and bad. There were and are poor instructors, who take shortcuts and don't do a thorough job at training.
I have had my beefs with the NRA many times and have written to LaPierre directly to get things resolved. They are no better than the public at large. Those who suspect this a money making idea may be right and only time will tell. Most state training packages are going to on-line training as well.
If your unhappy don't just sate so on these forums, write to the NRA and tell them as well. It is the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.

Whats wrong with doing both?

X NRA instructor here! I gave up my certs years ago, in fact it was right after my 2 boys made it through Eagle Scout and the scout camp also had a couple more instructors and did not need me!

 

[GaryS]

The American Heart Association?

They did something similar with their courses a few years ago. The main function of the instructors now is to load the DVD, press the "Play" and "Pause" buttons and then evaluate the hands on portion of the class.

Most students hate it, all instructors hate it.

It's all about control. They want all and you have none.

Sounds more and more like someone else we all know and hate.

 

[Rastoff]

The NRA needs to get their act together. They are a multi-million dollar organization and they have the worst organization of any company I've ever dealt with.

I just tried to order materials for a Basic Pistol class. The website is down. OK, that happens so, I call to order over the phone. Guess what the lady said? Yeah, she told me the website is down. Umm, I know that, that's why I called. May I please order some materials? "I'm sorry," she says, "the website is down so you can't order materials right now." What??? Every other company in the world has a back up in case one method of ordering isn't available, why not the NRA? Especially for their instruction programs!

The NRA was originally founded to teach marksmanship. Learning how to shoot has always been the pivotal function of the NRA. I would think they would be falling over themselves to get instructors trained and supplied to be able to teach their classes.

For those that don't know, it takes them weeks to process and ship materials. So, for the website to be down for a day can potentially prevent a class that's scheduled two weeks out.

It's my fault for scheduling the class within 2 weeks, but this shouldn't be a problem for an organization like the NRA.

In case you can't tell, I'm very unhappy about this.