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Teaching methods with classical (detailed) explanations

This approach is used when an exercise contains unfamiliar elements for students. For example, if bending torso is not the only element of  an exercise and students do not know how to perform it technically well then it is suggested that we should complete the explanations with the “classical” ones. We teach new elements and check whether our students have understood the tasks by asking them to repeat the exercise. This method is useful when we start teaching the simplest elements, the starting position and the base forms of free exercises.

Phases of this method:

  1. teacher/trainer verbally inform students about the task;
  2. teacher/trainer/student illustrate exercise/task;
  3. teacher’s/trainer’s individual illustration;

Teacher/trainer is in the starting position and stands in front of his/her group. He/she performs the exercise in the same direction as his/her students. This so called “reflection” illustration needs a lot of practice. It is difficult when teacher/trainer makes students step aside to the left then he/she should steps out to the right.

If there is a mirror in the gym it is evident that this method can be neglected. In this case he/she stands back to students and shows the exercise in front of a mirror and at the same time he/she can check if students have understood the task. The movements carried out backward or forward should be performed from side view. The appropriate rhythm/tempo must be used that is task specific. This method is used successfully when teaching children as they learn easily while imitating their teacher’s performance.

The method of illustrating exercises by a student

This approach should be used when we are sure that the chosen student will be able to execute the exercise technically well. Naturally students’ illustrations should be seen clearly by the others.

  1. asking our student to perform the exercise once
  2. correcting inaccurate movements (we may perform the exercise again)
  3. ordering our students to do the exercise continuously