New to Teaching

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[James Thompson]

I have recently had to start teaching due to circumstances, does any one have any ideas on the best way to start?

[Don_Modesto]

http://www.aikiweb.com/forums/search.php?

Good luck.

[DaveO]

You've asked a very common question on the aikiweb James; you should find what you're looking for in the search feature Don supplied.

If you don't; this might be useful:

Teaching Tips (http://www.geocities.com/drachenca/Download.html)

It's a file I worked up a couple of years ago in order to help the son of a friend when he was just starting teaching. It doesn't give any specific information on teaching Aikido; I'd just started, but it gives a broad overview of the teaching skill in general. From that link; click on 'teaching tips' at the top right of the page; it'll download the file for you. :)

[Alan Lomax]

James,

Yes, start on time and enjoy what you will learn from those who would be your students.

Regards

[batemanb]

Hi James,

I notice that you are in the UK, so I presume that your dojo/ association is affiliated to the BAB? If this is so, you can contact them and apply to go on one of their coaching courses, this will provide you with a lot of info and ideas that should help you.

Regards

Bryan

[Jack Simpson]

James,
1) don't talk alot
2) initially, teach your favorite techniques, along with plenty of basics
3) make sure people sweat alot
4) when folks are starting to fall down, without people throwing them, it's probably time to stop class.

Good luck.

Jack :ai:

[aikidoc]

Everyone has different learning styles. I try to use the concept of the linguistic programming people: visual, auditory, kinesthetic. It covers most learning styles.

[arderljohn]

Hi James, Remember. "Just be yourself" and everything will be follow. And one thing be honest to your students.

Goodluck&Best wishes.. :)

[Lachlan Kadick]

Hey James,
All I really have to recommend is to keep a positive attitude, learn your students behavioral patterns, and the younger they are the faster you need to work to keep their attention(and also be sure to keep them occupied the entire time, idleness often makes them mischievous.)

[Lyle Laizure]

The first thing is you want to be yourself. The second thing is that you need to be able to explain "things" in more than one way so that you can get your ideas or concepts accross to everyone. Aside from that it will be trial and error. Be positive and smile. You will do fine.