Shido-geiko (learning-by-helping) | ||
Written by Rachel | ||
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Learning-by-helping
Tai chi students are asked to undertake shido-geiko
responsibilities in class.
We look for people who are helpful, considerate and show an enthusiasm for
the art, the class and Sifu Waller's teachings.
If you demonstrate an aptitude for shido-geiko, you may prove be a strong
instructor candidate later in the
syllabus.
Shido-geiko is considered to be a privilege.
You have an opportunity to help pass-on the art.
What is shido-geiko?
It is important for you to understand what 'shido-geiko' means. You are not teaching.
It is not really about you helping others.
The onus is upon how showing others affects you and your understanding.
The benefit to others is a by-product, not the point itself. Shido-geiko is an essential learning tool.
If you dismiss it, there will be a gaping hole in your tai chi comprehension.
Mark is an extremely successful high school mathematics teacher. When we
asked him when he really learned calculus, he said, "When I first taught it.
There is no better way to learn anything than to actually
teach it. When I
teach something, I have to confront many fundamental questions: What is the
motivation to learn this topic? What are the basic examples? On what aspects
of this material should I focus? What are the underlying themes? What ties
the ideas together? What is the global structure? What are the important
details? These questions force me to discover the heart of the matter, and
see exactly what I truly understand and what I still need to work on."
(Edward B Burger & Michael Starbird)
Avoid misconceptions
Shido-geiko does not mean 'assistant instructor'...
Demonstration & explanation
Sifu Waller did shido-geiko in various classes in the past, in addition to
Peter Southwood's tai chi class.
It teaches you how to explain things.
You learn more about your own practice than you would by simply training
with others of your own grade, or at home by yourself.
Expressing the teaching
Shido-geiko is a challenge; it requires the student to articulate skills and
ideas in a way that makes sense to other people.
This will require considerable effort.
Much of what is learned is not fully understood, and the act of expressing
it to somebody else will not be easy.
In order to explain, you must dismantle things, give examples, illustrate
and demonstrate.
You will need to answer questions and to re-consider your own
misconceptions.
Initial responsibilities
Shido-geiko responsibilities need to be pretty mild at first:
Welcome new starters, assist with the completion of registration documents
Assisting beginners with their induction
Reminding new school members to bow (etiquette)
Leading the 7:00 PM qigong group
Leading the 8:00 PM partner work group
Assisting Rachel with section 1 form introduction
These preliminary
skills give the student an opportunity to experience 'sharing' and the
challenge of effective communication.
Greater responsibility?
If a student wants to take on new shido-geiko responsibilities, this is
certainly an option.
Helping can be mild or it can be a pre-cursor to
teacher training.
We prefer to let the student decide what suits them best.
Differentiation
Responsible, appropriate tuition is paramount in our class:
Qigong/form/partner work:
Having first notified the class members that you are still undergoing
training, you will not attempt to teach techniques beyond the level reached
in your training programme, nor will your class deviate from the age
limits/class sized permitted by your training organisation.
Massage: Having first notified the recipients they are receiving
treatment free of all charges, as part of your training, you are restricted
to performing practice treatments for case work only. Furthermore, you must
not offer treatments outside of your capabilities, which at all times must
be governed by the phase reached in your training programme and your tutor’s
assessment.
(Insurance criteria)
Page
created 18 April 2008
Last updated
06 September 2023