This week we are lucky enough to have Director and Head Coach of Max Tennis, Andrew Sun, contributing on the all important topic of enaging students! Thanks once again Andrew!
Rules of Engagement
We can all remember our favourite teacher or coach as we were growing up and playing sport or going through our schooling journey. What was so memorable about how they taught you and the class? It was more than likely, that they made a good connection with you, they were engaging, and most importantly, their sessions were fun.
As teachers or coaches we are constantly trying to connect with or engage our students, no matter what the subject matter. However, the difference in the learning is often based upon how we “wrap up” or deliver the message.
Building Rapport with the students is critical in getting their trust which will make it easier for you to deliver your message. Take an interest in their lives, ask them what the highlight of their weekend was. If you know they play a particular sport, ask them how they went in their last match or congratulate them on an award they received at School Assembly.
When delivering your message, make it fun! If the kids are young, make a “funny sound” during your demonstration, for example “splaaat”, tell a bad “dad” joke, create relevant teaching points/cue words or simply make a funny facial expression during the activity. Ideally try and make it relevant based on your knowledge of the student’s personality, passed experiences and skill level. Keep in mind that listening to their responses and following their lead in regards to the jokes you tell & and demonstrations you give can really help to further engage the students.
Whilst it is important to make the session enjoyable, there still needs to be some structure and routine. Not only can this alleviate any safety concerns, it will give the students a sense of order and control, meanwhile assisting in developing a sense of security and self-discipline. It also shows your leadership skills and demonstrates your ability to maintain control of the class.
Another way to maintain order is to give your players a defined place to stand, such as the lines of the court or the field, for example “place your toes on this line”, while giving your explanations and demonstrations. Give them specific ways to hold their equipment (eg “give their racquet a hug” or “hide the soccer ball behind your feet on the ground”). This will also help minimize distractions.
There are many different ways you can demonstrate the skill you wish to teach:
- Teacher can use a student to demonstrate the skill whilst explaining the key components
- The teacher can demonstrate the skill with the aid of a student as a feeder.
- Have 2 students demonstrate the skill whilst the teacher explains the skills.
There are of course many approaches to engaging students too:
When explaining the skill, incorporate a Cue Word that highlights the main teaching point that you are teaching. You can create these cue words or the students could even create/change them during the demonstration/explanation – a great way to give them a sense of responsibility or ownership of the skill – assisting to further engage.
Throughout the session, utilize The Art of Questioning. By using strategically timed questions, the student will be “forced to engage” with the session or activity. By questioning the students, it will encourage some thought processes and reinforcement of the relevant skills.
Additionally, include Little Goals during each activity. For example “how many can you do in 30 secs?”, “who can do 10 (kicks) first?”, “which pair can work together and do 3 lots of 10 first?”. All of these activities can be repeated with recognition (high fives) given for improving on their first attempt. With players given the opportunity to repeat the activity and improve on their previous score – they all win!!
Enjoy adding your own flavour to your sessions and experiment with what creates a great environment for your students.
Engage your students and have fun!!
Max Tennis is … Developing great people
Phone: +61 2 9029 8283 | Mob: 0417 412 231
Mail: asun@maxtennis.com.au | Web: www.maxtennis.com.au
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