Best exercises for a new teacher
- Thread starter Paul Saxberg
- Start date
I don't know if there is an exercise, but I would suggest a couple of things. I think new coaches and new teachers often talk too much. Your students are there to have fun and learn. They are going to learn a lot better by doing than by listening to your notes and explanations.
Before an exercise, tell them what to do, but keep it simple. If an exercise takes five minutes to explain, it's probably too complicated. You may want to tell them why they are doing it and what you want them to focus on, but in general, less is more.
After an exercise, keep your notes focused on the point of the exercise. Don't give them every possible note. If you spend 20 minutes giving your students notes after they do something, your trying to teach them too many things at once.
Also, give your students multiple chances to try an exercise if possible. Doing something once is not learning it.
Before an exercise, tell them what to do, but keep it simple. If an exercise takes five minutes to explain, it's probably too complicated. You may want to tell them why they are doing it and what you want them to focus on, but in general, less is more.
After an exercise, keep your notes focused on the point of the exercise. Don't give them every possible note. If you spend 20 minutes giving your students notes after they do something, your trying to teach them too many things at once.
Also, give your students multiple chances to try an exercise if possible. Doing something once is not learning it.
I coach every once in a while. One thing I've learned and had to struggle through was a sense of focus - you can't impart all of your improv smarts in one day or even one class. You're not Improv Superman. You have to focus and zero in on one topic at a time. Today we learn about Listening. This class we learn about Object Work. Right now we learn about Edits. All notes should serve to the end of what you're focusing on at that moment. You have to save those incisive and pointed personal notes for when you really really really need them.