Observation Guidelines
Being a good observer essentially involves being a good guest! Following these guidelines will not only make you a good Pilates citizen, but it’ll help you get maximum benefit from your sessions.
THE CLIENT COMES FIRST - ALWAYS.
Defer to the client – always. After all, they’re paying to do Pilates at the Studio, so they come first. 'Client care' is a skill set that will translate into, and serve you, in real life as a Pilates Instructor, so consider it practise!
OBSERVE. FULL STOP.
When you attend to observe please do just that! Channel your inner 'fly on the wall'.
Do not chat to other Students, the clients, or the Instructor during class/session.
Do not video or take photos: privacy law!
Do not use any devices during observation: no texting, phone calls. Phones and tablets should be packed away, and on silent.
No questions: Observations are not the time to chat with the Instructor. Note your questions down for after class.
What CAN you do?
MAKE NOTES. Note taking tips:
List repertoire you are unfamiliar with, either by programming category or description.
Note helpful correction/modifications on specific repertoire, and why you think it helped.
Observe features of the class flow and professional conduct. E.g. how the Instructor gives individual corrections without interrupting the flow of the class; balance of cue styles.
Think about how you would teach observed repertoire.
Note and explain a regression.
Note and explain a progression.
Note and explain a variation.
Note and explain an assist.
Note and explain a modification.
Was the Instructor required to make any adjustments to the programming to accommodate client needs? E.g. for injury or special condition(s)?
Write down questions for your Educators at your next Course Delivery/Teaching Clinic/Live Q&A!
Observation study assists are included in your course content: you may also use these to guide your observations. These documents are not for assessment and can be found in your Orientation modules under the "Observation" heading.
DON'T BE A SPACE INVADER.
Please don’t encroach on the clients’ personal or workout space! Keep to the outer edges of the room – or wherever your Studio has delegated for you to sit - and remain seated. Don’t stand, or squirm, or lay down, or stretch, or yawn loudly, or do the workout!
Sitting for an hour at a time can be uncomfortable – we understand – the solution is to take appropriate breaks between sittings.
Note: please also stow your bags and belongings in the allocated spot and bring only necessary materials in with you. E.g. note pad and pen; relevant handouts.
NO FOOD.
No eating or drinking in the Studio at any time; a water bottle with a cap is acceptable.