National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Group Fitness Instructor Practice Exam

What type of feedback is considered two-way communication?

1. An instructor giving instructions without waiting for responses.

2. An instructor facilitating a discussion and encouraging student input.

3. Students listening quietly to a lecture.

4. An instructor demonstrating exercises with no interaction.

The correct answer is: An instructor facilitating a discussion and encouraging student input.

Two-way communication in a learning environment refers to an interactive exchange where both the instructor and the students are actively participating. When an instructor facilitates a discussion and encourages student input, it creates a dynamic atmosphere where feedback is shared, questions are asked, and ideas are exchanged. This open dialogue allows for clarification, deeper understanding, and engagement, ensuring that students not only hear the information but also reflect on and contribute to the discussion. This contrasts with scenarios where communication is largely one-sided. For instance, if an instructor gives instructions without waiting for responses, it limits student participation and feedback. Likewise, when students are listening quietly to a lecture or when an instructor demonstrates exercises with no interaction, the flow of communication is predominantly from the instructor to the students, with little opportunity for input or engagement. Thus, option B stands out as the defining characteristic of two-way communication in a group fitness instructional context.