Have you always been confident teaching, or needed help?

[appaloosacaz]

Hey,

I was just wondering if there are any individuals out there who are like me?... Basically I want to gain my BHSAI, and I really like the idea of teaching. I've always been able to confidently teach friends, and actually had really good criticism back every time. I feel as if I really do "know my stuff" I have a good eye for what people are doing (despite having many many downfalls myself). Why is it however the one time I've been in charge of a very young group for 5 minutes, I've turned into a blubbering mess who doesn't know anything, and is far too scared to talk? Has anyone else had this problem, or is it just me being a complete moron? Anyone got any tips :/

 

[appaloosacaz]

)

 

[be positive]

I think it is often far easier to teach on a one to one friendly basis than to have a group of unknown people whatever their age, teaching an ad hoc type lesson can evolve rather than be planned or structured, having a group needs some preparation beforehand so you can be confident and keep moving forward.
Break down each lesson into stages, warming up, getting to know them, then work on the main part of your plan with breaks to discuss or explain what you are doing or aiming for, then some time to show they have improved and understood what has been done, cool off time and before you know an hour has passed productively.
Don't be afraid to stop and chat, especially when you do not know the riders, you may feel it is timewasting but as long as they achieve something and really understand what you are working on it will not be a waste and can give clues as to where to go on the next lesson.

 

[milliepops]

Firstly just being curious, how have you got started? is this at a riding school or privately? Basically, are you being watched by another instructor/supervisor or are you completely solo?

Either way it sounds like you might be overthinking the situation rather than just reacting to what you are seeing. You aren't being a moron It's quite common to have a wobble when you start doing something like that when you put yourself 'out there'. Be kind to yourself!

I found it very hard to begin with, partly because I was too self conscious and I still don't enjoy teaching children even though that's how I started out - mainly because I just don't connect with children in general very well Plus group lessons are hard going at the best of times, it's more like directing traffic IMO

If you've been getting good feedback and really want to do it, then Keep going and just put aside how YOU feel, try to focus on what their expectations are, what they need to work on and keep it simple & safe esp if novices. Remember they have faith in you. What's the other thing people say? Fake it till you make it.


ETA be positive is right, if you break the time up into planned chunks it will definitely be easier, plus you can give yourself a little pat on the back when each bit is ticked off successfully, little confidence boost

 

[appaloosacaz]

Thanks both of you! Very good advice here I think I'm very similar to you in this case Milliepops, as I am far too self conscious, and unfortunately I get told an awful lot that I overthink, especially with regards to everyday life But thank you!

 

[DabDab]

Well I learnt to teach in a riding school, so i have always found groups easier. What I would say is that it might be worth your while going and having a few group lessons in a good riding school (or just observing if they will allow it), because you will very quickly pick up a whole range of different exercises that that instructors use that work well in the group environment. Things like having the group as a ride in walk and getting the rider at the back to come and take the lead by walking past the others, first on a bend and then down a long side. It gets the rider going to the front to increase the pace of their horse's stride and and makes the rest of the riders concentrate on keeping their pace constant. Having exercises like that up your sleeve enables you to use the group situation to your advantage rather than being overwhelmed by it.

If you've had good feedback and your instincts seem good then definitely keep going

 

[milliepops]

It's a mental trick you will need to learn then It gets easier with practice. Something I found helped me, though you have to really buy into it, is to imagine you are someone else when you walk into the arena. Put yourself in the boots of a trainer that you really respect. Stops you thinking about being YOU, and helps you to see what's in front of you instead.

I find the same thing helps me when I'm having a rubbish day riding - if I imagine I'm Carl Hester (yeah yeah ) then it makes me pull myself together, sit better, get more focussed, expect a little more...

And I also found it really helpful to take some little notes after each session, just what I had done, what had worked well, any nice things the client had said or issues that had mystified them - just little things you might forget by the next time. Made me feel a bit more 'sorted'.

 

[milliepops]

Well I learnt to teach in a riding school, so i have always found groups easier. What I would say is that it might be worth your while going and having a few group lessons in a good riding school

Ooh yeah, that's a great idea. If you can watch rather than participate, you can also have a little running commentary to yourself about what you would do if you were in the middle giving the lesson

 

[misterjinglejay]

Some useful advice here. I get very nervous teaching, and find it hard to equate my lessons with the money I charge (which isn't much, admittedly). I sometimes drag my OH along with me, so he can give me a critique afterwards.

Because I teach classical dressage, I often have to take people back to basics; teaching them weight aids and balance. I do explain this before I start, but I do get carried away with lengthy explanations, and have to rein myself in!

I usually set 'homework' and with younger pupils/novice owners, will use the Pony Club horse care tests to set that homework. People keep coming back for more, so hooves crossed, I'm not doing too badly

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Ive always had confidence, In fact its been taken for arrogance more times than I can remember However I wouldnt like to teach people. I will watch from the ground and give observations and help people but I wouldnt ever like to be an RI. Especially in the climate at the moment where one minute your the bees knees then the next you have no idea what your doing and people are suing you for various things

I think maybe take smaller groups maybe semi private groups where its two or three tops. Less to handle and concentrate on.

 

[noblesteed]

As an experienced school teacher, the way teachers are trained to begin with is by observing other people teach. As many as possible and in lots of different situations. So I would agree with going and watching other instructors. Note the strategies they use and what they say. Talk to them afterwards and find out how they cope with confidence issues. Trainee teachers then go on the taking smaller groups before they take the whole class under supervision of the class teacher. By this I mean they plan lessons together and work out what they are going to say, what children will do, when and for how long in minute detail. Expectation for a lesson plan is 2-3 sides of A4 per hour's lesson! This helps as then nobody runs out of things to say, and everybody knows what they are doing. As they gain more experience their lesson plans become shorter. I don't know what an RI course entails but could you find an experienced AI to observe and chat to, and then help you produce a plan for your group lesson. Maybe notes on cards that you can keep in your pocket? Then when you're teaching and you run out of things to say/do you can refer to these.
It's hard to be confident when teaching, I am fine in front of a class of children but put an adult in to observe me and I go to pieces! I find focussing on what I have planned to do keeps my mind on teaching.

 

[spacefaer]

I have been a qualified instructor for 20 something years. I can teach an adult from beginner to PSG or from trotting poles to jumping round a 4' course of jumps. I am more than happy teaching teenagers of all abilities and ambitions.

Give me a child and I'm a gibbering wreck. I spout rubbish rapidly and grind to a halt! I have never taught a successful lesson to that age group.

It is about confidence and self belief - I know I'm a good trainer but I know I can't teach kids, therefore I can't! (And don't, much to everyone's relief! ) I have no connection to children - I have none, none of my close friends have any and I struggle to talk to those I meet.