Good instruction is universal.
Earlier this week I started a new fitness program. It is customary with this particular program that you complete a few one-on-one sessions with the trainer so you can learn a few basics before starting the class.
It was during these trainings that I was reminded how universal good instruction is, no matter what you are teaching.
As the trainer was instructing, he went through several steps. The exact same steps I see in the classroom.
1st – He would tell me what we were going to be doing. The trainer would go through detail explaining what we would do, and why we were going to do it. Noting which muscle group we were working and why proper form was important.
2nd – He would show me the motion. Again, all the while explaining what he was doing at each given moment.
3rd – He anticipated what I might do wrong. He showed me what was wrong and again, explained why it was wrong.
4th – He would help me get into position, and then do the motion with me. All the while reminding me of each aspect of the motion.
5th – He would instruct me to do a few practice reps while he watched and provided support. Helping me adjust to proper form, while again reminding me of what to do next.
The trainer went through all 5 steps for every single movement/exercise he was instructing. After we went through 5 or 6 different movements, and he was satisfied that I could complete each one properly, he had me link all movements together to complete a workout.
During the workout however, he would continue to watch my form, giving me tips and reminders along the way. And of course, as every good trainer does – cheer me along the way to keep me motivated.
What took me by surprise was that I knew what he was going to do next, before he did it. On the drive home is when I connected the dots – it’s the exact same process I use in the classroom. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized, it’s the exact same process anyone uses when providing good instruction.
No matter what skill or craft you may be teaching – a good instructor knows how to build you up, provide support, and rally you to success.
Besides your classroom, where else have you seen good instruction?
Earlier this week I started a new fitness program. It is customary with this particular program that you complete a few one-on-one sessions with the trainer so you can learn a few basics before starting the class.
It was during these trainings that I was reminded how universal good instruction is, no matter what you are teaching.
As the trainer was instructing, he went through several steps. The exact same steps I see in the classroom.
1st – He would tell me what we were going to be doing. The trainer would go through detail explaining what we would do, and why we were going to do it. Noting which muscle group we were working and why proper form was important.
2nd – He would show me the motion. Again, all the while explaining what he was doing at each given moment.
3rd – He anticipated what I might do wrong. He showed me what was wrong and again, explained why it was wrong.
4th – He would help me get into position, and then do the motion with me. All the while reminding me of each aspect of the motion.
5th – He would instruct me to do a few practice reps while he watched and provided support. Helping me adjust to proper form, while again reminding me of what to do next.
The trainer went through all 5 steps for every single movement/exercise he was instructing. After we went through 5 or 6 different movements, and he was satisfied that I could complete each one properly, he had me link all movements together to complete a workout.
During the workout however, he would continue to watch my form, giving me tips and reminders along the way. And of course, as every good trainer does – cheer me along the way to keep me motivated.
What took me by surprise was that I knew what he was going to do next, before he did it. On the drive home is when I connected the dots – it’s the exact same process I use in the classroom. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized, it’s the exact same process anyone uses when providing good instruction.
No matter what skill or craft you may be teaching – a good instructor knows how to build you up, provide support, and rally you to success.
Besides your classroom, where else have you seen good instruction?
