Last week we discussed training your new hire on the topics of:

Teaching Pedagogy

Pedagogy literally means the method and practice of teaching... so "Teaching Pedagogy" is sort of a repetitive phrase. However, no one ever remembers what the heck pedagogy is, so when I list it in my training materials that's how I refer to it initially.

Pedagogy is another very broad and deep subject. I find that the best way to approach it in the context of teaching martial arts is to first discuss and explain teaching and learning theories, and then to get into specific actions and teaching patterns that will be used in the classroom.

Learning Styles

Typically I'll start by explaining and discussing the various learning styles that different people have. Currently, it is generally accepted that there are eight learning styles:

The fact is, most people have personal learning styles that at least partially respond to one of the three basic styles. Roughly half of the students you have in your class will be visual learners - these folks learn best by watching how something is done. 

Another 30-40 percent or so will be kinesthetic learners who learn best with hands on methods, and the rest will be auditory learners who respond well to verbal explanations. So, by addressing these three basic learning styles, you're going to be effective in teaching the majority of the people who walk into your dojo.

Besides that, teaching approaches that address the other learning styles are either a natural extension of the various teaching methodologies you use in class, or they are inappropriate for use in the martial arts classroom. For these reasons, it just makes sense to focus on the three basic learning styles, and then to reinforce those lessons via social learning opportunities.

Tell, Show Do

So, it's vitally important that you teach your assistant instructors to teach while addressing all three types of learning. I've found that the simplest way to get my instructors to remember this is by using a "Tell, Show, Do" approach.

Using this method, first you explain to the class what you're going to do. Then, you show them the technique. Then you explain it again while demonstrating, and finally you get them to follow along with you. It's a simple method, but it works very well.

As for social learning, this comes after group practice when you pair students off or put them in small groups to work techniques together. By working pads and mitts with a partner, training self-defense techniques together, or by working on forms in small groups, you are using social learning to reinforce what they picked up earlier in class using the three more basic learning styles.

Logical Progressions in Instruction

Although this really falls under the topic of lesson plans and curriculum, it is important that you teach your instructors to use logical progressions when teaching techniques. Teaching in logical progressions means that you cover foundational material before moving on to more advanced concepts and techniques.

While it may seem obvious to you that you would teach a basic back kick before teaching a turning back kick, and then after that a jump-turning back kick... but this may not be obvious to a new assistant instructor. 

Make sure that your assistants understand the theory behind teaching logical progressions, and then also give them progressions to follow within your lesson plans. Doing so will prevent students from becoming frustrated and dropping out. And, it will also help prevent injuries from happening in the classroom.

Tomorrow we'll continue with a bit more pedagogy as we talk about teaching methods. And, we'll deal with the topic of motivational psychology as it relates to teaching martial arts. Stay tuned!