Teaching Guidelines
SELF-DIRECTED TEACHING
You are responsible for your “bodies”: that is, the people you bring to the IT or WP Studio to practise with. This is a great opportunity for you to simulate client-Instructor interactions and professional conduct in a real Studio environment. But in this context, it is important to be aware that you are a guest bringing guests into the Studio, and you are responsible for managing your “clients”.
Keep them safe, and hold them to the same standards we have outlined for you here.
CO-INSTRUCTION.
Co-Instruction will tell you a lot about yourself and give you plenty to consider about what it takes to run a Class or Studio session.
It will also equip you with valuable skills for relationship building in a professional environment – which will make you a great employee, Instructor and colleague one day!
It is a unique arrangement, so here are some things to consider when you are on the floor with clients and an Instructor to keep all parties happy and comfortable:
Read the room.
This is a BIG skill. Learning to watch, understand and respond appropriately to the client is the difference between a good and a great Instructor. After all, it’s all about and for them (the client)! Co-Instruction is the perfect setting to work on this. Consider how behavioural or personality indicators can tell you what the client needs or wants, or does not want or need.
As you move around the room be mindful of and responsive to clients’:
General temperament.
Mood indicators.
Enjoyment: are they enjoying the class?
Understanding: are they understanding the Instructor’s direction?
Following: are they following the Instructor’s direction?
Competency: do they need help?
Comfort/Pain.
Just Ask!
You will see many opportunities to help during Co-Instruction and you’ll likely feel eager to apply your knowledge. But, be measured about it! Take a beat, don’t rush in. Over- or constant correction or prompting can make clients feel singled out, smothered or defeated. Some clients want to figure it out on their own, in their own time. Others, just don’t want to know if they’re wrong – they don’t care about technique! (And that’s fine, this is their time after all.)
Keep it simple – just ask them:
“Can I help you with this one?”
“This is tricky, let me show you on me/watch me…”
“Do you mind if I put my hands on you/touch here/place my hand here to show you…?”
Tip: keep your correction ratio low. After the session, make note of the corrections you saw but did not act on so you can practice on your own time, or next time you observe it during CI.
Positive Reinforcement.
Some CI Group Classes or Studio sessions will have less opportunity for Student participation than others. In that event, never underestimate the power of well-timed, meaningful, positive reinforcement! Be the clients’ biggest supporter!
“Great effort, [client’s name]!”
“You can do it!”
“Looking strong.”
“Great technique/lovely alignment.”
Or simply: “Good! Well done!
Being a Pilates Instructor isn’t all about repertoire and repetitions and programming: it’s also about connection! The feel-good, warm and fuzzy bit. A kind word has the power to transform a client’s experience with Pilates and you! It initiates connection. Builds trust. Then when you next Co-Instruct their class, they might let you come and help them some more!
Privacy Considerations.
Diploma and Advanced Diploma Students have access to client files to prep for Studio private and semi-private CI.
Please remember these records are private and confidential and should not be taken offsite or discussed with anyone other than the supervising Instructor.