| The Business Center: Operations |
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| As teachers we are always telling our students that "practice makes
perfect" or one of the many variations such as "perfect practice makes
perfect practice." Essentially the method is that there is always room
for improvement. So why do so many teachers stop learning? They assume
they know enough or all that they can and are now qualified to teach students.
You can always improve whether it be in how you teach or in improving yourself.
Focusing on the Positive This doesn't mean you should stop correcting your students or lower your standards for them. It is nearly impossible to focus only on the positive. But this does mean choosing to phrase your comments, motivational messages, and instructions in a positive manner. Instead of talking directly to a student who is wiggling around when he is supposed to be standing still, point out the child in front of him for his effort to concentrate. The wiggler gets the same message as if you had singled him out, but he doesn't feel picked on or embarassed. At the same time you've reinforced a very class-positive behavior in the child you've praised. Its a win-win situation. Tell Your Students the Truth Why not start your relationships with your students by telling them the truth? What truth do I mean? Without practice and a certain level of commitment, the martial arts have little or no value. As instructors, we know the value of studying the martial arts. That's why we do what we do. But let your students know of the dedication it takes to attain the level of black belt, to become proficient in the arts, etc. Don't Compromise What You Believe in for Money If you know in your heart that without a student's commitment and practice, the study of martial arts won't yield the benefits you promised to deliver when your students enrolled, then you are ripping them off. Are you compromising what you know is right just because they are paying for lessons? Are you trying to tell them what they want to hear as opposed to the truth because you want their money? Don't Quit Learning and Training Don't stop training because you are feeling your age and have to occasionally adjust your kneecap to walk again. It is not an excuse to abandon your study of new methods and styles. You're not doing yourself, your students, or the martial arts, any favors by looking like Jabba the Hut. If you stop using the martial arts as a vehicle for empowerment, transformation and enlightenment and you want to teach "true" martial arts, be respected by your students, and have a following that believes in you, falling out of shape won't help you get there. It is important to set standards for your students and yourself without compromising what you know to be true. Tell your students up front the level of commitment the martial arts need. Show students you understand that level of commitment by continuing your own education and training. Bring your instructor in for a seminar. Improving yourself as an effective instructor begins by being honest about what you can help your students achieve. Works Consulted
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