
Embarking on a yoga teacher training (YTT) journey is a transformative experience that extends beyond mastering poses and sequences. As a collaborator in YTTC and a teacher in high school, I understand that size matters.
The group size can significantly impact your learning experience, personal growth, and professional development.
I just had a discovery call with a prospective student who asked how I use smaller group teaching. Here's a summary and a better-organized answer to her questions.
Personalised Attention and Feedback
In smaller YTT groups, students often receive more personalised attention from teachers. This one-on-one guidance is crucial for refining techniques, understanding complex concepts, and receiving constructive feedback. The potential for mentorship and tailored feedback is significantly higher. I can track individual progress and offer targeted advice. I can tailor their teaching to individual needs in a more intimate setting, empowering each student to progress effectively.
2. Building a Supportive Community
Smaller groups mean you can get to know your peers better, and that support system can be super helpful. This sense of camaraderie can be incredibly supportive, creating a safe space for sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and celebrating achievements, which can be a great source of inspiration. I personally feel more comfortable in a smaller sharing circle. But that is just me.
3. Enhanced Learning Environment
The dynamics of a smaller class can lead to a more interactive and engaging learning environment. Students are more likely to participate actively, ask questions, and engage in discussions. This collaborative approach brings layers to the learning experience, as diverse perspectives and insights are shared freely.
Also, in smaller training, I have the flexibility to adapt my teaching styles to suit the group's needs. Whether it's spending extra time on specific topics or adjusting the pace of the course, this adaptability ensures that the training remains effective and engaging for all participants.
4. Focused Attention on Safety
Yoga involves physical postures that require proper alignment and technique to prevent injury. Teachers in a smaller YTT group can closely monitor each student, ensuring safe practice and offering modifications as needed. This attention to safety is paramount in fostering a secure learning atmosphere. With an adequate supportive environment, many injuries could be avoided.
5. Quality of Training
Smaller YTT programs often prioritize quality over quantity. With fewer students, teachers and facilitators can delve deeper into the curriculum, offering comprehensive coverage of anatomy, philosophy, teaching methodology, and practical applications. This thorough approach equips future yoga teachers with a solid foundation and confidence in their practice. In a larger YTT program, the focus might be more on covering a broad range of topics to please the masses, especially as the student recruitment process in a big group can be about filling the space.
6. Opportunities for Self-Reflection
Yoga teacher training is as much about personal growth as it is about learning to teach. In a smaller group, there is often more space for self-reflection, meditation, and introspection. These practices are integral to developing a deep understanding of yoga and its teachings, fostering personal transformation. So let's say you have a group of 20 people; each student should be given equal time for practising teaching, and towards the last week of the course, it will be over 30 hours of the final week just for student teaching and feedback (if you are lucky enough to sign up for a course that allocates 60 minutes for your final teaching)!
When selecting a yoga teacher training program, it's important to consider the size of the training. Smaller groups provide personalised attention, a supportive community, enhanced safety, and a more enriching learning experience. Ultimately, you should determine the key elements essential for your growth as a practitioner and future yoga teacher, ensuring that you are well-prepared to share the transformative power of yoga with others.
Comments