Posted: 02 January 2006 at 10:09pm | IP Logged

Here are my rules (skills) when I teach or teach others to teach.

The ten class management skills:

1. Set mood and tone of class - you are in charge the students will fallow your lead.

2. Create positive climate - old school scream at the students does not work anymore. People shut down, people quit.

3. Personal approach/individual contact - make the student feel as if you are talking directly to him/her, even a controled pat on the back is motivation.

4. Set direct goals - In this class this is what we want to achieve

5. Give thoughtfull feedback to student responce - keyword "thoughtfull" (empathy)

6. Reinforce positive behavior - Positive reinforcement

7. Give realistic praise - Both kids and adults see thru false praise, but that's not enough. Praise must be specific for educational bennefits (ex. Your foot position is good!)

8. Give positive correction rather than criticism - (I think your chamber position is great, if you pivit your foot a bit more you will get more power.)

9. Refer to students by name - Very personal, shows interest in that person.

10. Teach concept of personal victory - "Who conquers the is great but who conquers oneself is mighty" and "Never mind what others do; do better than yourself. Beat your own record from day to day and you are a success.

Have someone fallow you around with a checklist and check off evey slikk once you practice it.  In a 45-60 minute class you should have 5 checks in every skill.

Posted: 01 May 2006 at 12:52pm | IP Logged

Excellent list. As a Wing Chun instructor I fully agree, and use many of these principles myself.

Also I find if you do any 'corrections' it is always best to focus on the things that the student is doing well first. Let them feel like they have a level of success. Then bring up 1 or 2 things that will 'help to make their form/techique better'.

Posted: 21 May 2007 at 11:49am | IP Logged

Hi Jeff,

The trick is to do it naturally.  When you have a list, like I've seen some student instructors do, it seems a bit fake or hallow.  Most students see through it.  Of all the rules I feel #1 is the most important, it sets the atmosphere for the entire class....enjoy

~Adam