Intelligence simply means ability to respond,
because life is a flux.
You have to be aware and to see what is demanded of you,
what is the challenge of the situation.
The intelligent person behaves according to the situation
and the stupid according to ready-made answers.
(Osho)
New starters
New starters always ask the wrong question - "What can the instructor do?"
The correct question should be - What
skills can they teach you?
There is a world of difference between the two.
Many people can perform
tai chi themselves.
So what?
Can they
teach it to you?
That is the question that really matters.
Teaching
Being able to perform tai chi
yourself is not the same as being
able to
teach it.
These are two entirely separate skills and should not be confused.
A
teacher must pass on their knowledge; they must respond
creatively to the
challenges of the class and ensure that the student is
learning.
Safety
Safety comes first.
Before knowledge, skill, character and ability, there must be safety.
You must be very careful to ensure student safety at all times; in
terms of solo and partner practice.
The class size needs to be manageable so that you can watch for
common errors.
Students need to be educated such that their own
awareness and understanding reduce the risk of
injury.
Join a recognised tai chi body and get insurance before you begin
teaching a class.
Syllabus
A thorough, detailed
syllabus is essential.
You need to
guide the class through the
tai
chi principles in a logical,
progressive manner that is consistent.
Some people will struggle whilst others appear to learn quickly and you must
cater for everyone (often in the same class).
It will be necessary to adapt the syllabus relative to each individuals
ability; this process is called 'differentiation'.
Challenges are important.
Without a challenge, people are not called upon to excel.
Motivation is stimulated when students
have goals and targets to work for; providing there is no pressure.
Patience
Being able to articulate and demonstrate material is a challenge in itself,
but
patience is
harder.
Not everyone
studying tai chi will share your
commitment, so you must allow for this and permit people to find their own
way.
If people are not allowed to progress at their own pace,
they will feel inadequate.
Your motives
Tai chi is not like working in the supermarket or an office; mere
'professionalism' is not adequate.
To teach well, you must be thoroughly open and honest, so that other people
can relax and be themselves too.
The reward is found in the
relationships you
develop.
Compassion
When you open your
heart to
other people and care for them without reserve, you can teach properly.
The students wellbeing, comfort and development become your priority.
You genuinely share in their learning experience, rather than patronise.
Your success can be determined by considering the atmosphere of the classes:
are they warm, friendly, filled with humour and good spirits?
Are the students progressing steadily through the syllabus?
If not, where have you gone wrong?
If you do not care about your students, there is little point in being a tai
chi teacher.
More...
Page created 25 October 2002