Teaching Strategy: Approach all Students with Positive Remarks & Love

In June 2023, the NorCal T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) teacher group convened in Berkeley to practice TCC in Nina Gibson’s back garden. Then we got down to business planning our TCC Workshop for March 2024. It has been a few years since COVID-19 descended. Now we are able to meet safely and not worry so much. What a joy to “enter the silence” with dear friends and new ones.

During our conversation, the topic of teaching strategies came up. With many seasoned teachers there, we had a good time exchanging stories and ideas. Then I remembered something that happened when I was asked to offer a private lesson years ago, to a student hoping to become a TCC teacher.

I agreed to see her. She arrived at my house and seemed nervous. I invited her into the living room and said we would move together, side-by-side, for a few movements, just to relax and get comfortable.

I put on some soft flowing music and began with Rocking Motion, then Around the Platter, then some Base Drum. We closed with Rest… and I turned to her, smiled, and said: “That felt good. I want to start by telling you all that you are doing right.” She suddenly started crying.

She said: “You are the first teacher who has ever told me what I am doing right.” That was a turning point for her, and a lesson about always starting with positive feedback, praise, and goodwill. She felt so confident when she showed me other movements and when we talked about the weight shift, softness, and focusing on the soles of the feet, etc.

In all teaching, approach the student gently, with loving support, pointing out what they are doing correctly first.

I hope this short tale helps you think twice before pointing out what students are doing incorrectly. Start with the positive, accentuate the positive, and the results will be much better for you and your students. The same goes for group practice. Notice what looks right, soft and flowing, what is in balance. First mention what you see that is correct and will bring the most benefit to each person. Don’t call out names. Make general comments like: “Many of you are well-grounded using a soft knee to move forward and back.” And “The front row moves together nicely, without rushing to the next move. Very good.” And “It is nice to see many of you not lifting the back heel much, and allowing the front foot to release, but not be lifted artificially. Wonderful!”

I hope that all TCC teachers are known for their positive approach to teaching, and for their ability to empower students to critique their own form by working with a partner in Partner Practice or checking with the teacher before or after class.