Why is it important to verbalize observations during instruction?

• A. It increases the instructor's confidence in their own abilities.
• B. It slows the class and wastes time.
• C. It prevents students from focusing on personal cues.
• D. It helps students understand cues, supports learning, and clarifies decision-making.

Answer: (D)

Verbalizing observations during instruction helps students connect what they see and feel with specific cues and decisions. When you name what you notice—how weight shifts, where the skis are pointed, how the torso aligns—you create a shared language and concrete reference points. This explicit narration turns implicit impressions into actionable cues, so learners can listen for the same signals, link them to sensations, and understand why a correction is needed. It also clarifies how different cues influence the result, helping students build their own decision-making framework in real time. As a result, learners become more autonomous, better able to transfer the skills to various terrains and speeds, and able to self-correct with a clearer understanding of the cause-and-effect relationship between movement and outcome.