I was cleaning out files, and I found an exercise I had my classes do about a year ago.
I sat the class down and explained that I wasn’t inside their heads. I couldn’t tell what they were thinking, unless they told me with words or acted a certain way.
We broke out into groups. I gave each group a sheet of paper and assigned a scribe. Together, the group created a list of “Ways to Show Effort in Class.”
Without further ado, here’s the 3 lists (remember, this is 100% student-generated):
List 1
- sweating/red face/heavy breathing
- power
- improvement
- focused
- following instructions
- practice
- come to class often
- always ready
- good attitude
List 2
- sweating
- not goofing off
- power in techniques
- spirited (kiai)
- positive attitude
- don’t need instructor to tell you everything
- alert
- asking questions
- [but] not disrupting class with questions
- showing up for class
- communication
- focused/paying attention
- helping
List 3
- focus
- effort
- asking questions
- listening to instructors
- how much they sweat 🙂
- showing respect
- not talking when the instructor is talking
- hustling when told to do things
They all mentioned focus, and I especially like the word “alert” from List 2. They all also said SWEAT!!
I just love these lists! It’s like they’re describing an ideal student: one who comes to class often, is mentally present, putting in effort, being respectful, but still thinking and asking questions.
Cheers!