Are You Using the Right Instructional Approach?

I believe we were all gifted with specific skills and talents. For example, some of us are great dancers and athletes, while others, as Taylor Swift famously sang, “She’s cheer captain, and I am on the bleachers.” I am not ashamed to say that I am one of those on the bleachers. When it comes to my coordination and rhythm, it is okay to say, “bless her heart.”

I had to learn the hard way that rhythm and coordination was not one of my gifts. One instance that I can recall vividly was at a school dance when the earworm Jump Around by House of Pain played. Everyone went wild and began jumping up and down on the dance floor, including me, who was oblivious to my rhythm- lacking-self. I remember my date saying, “You’re not on the beat; you are just jumping up and down.” I was confused. What was the beat?!

My coordination and rhythm did not improve with age; it only grew worse. I would always get singled out for being offbeat and missing a step (or five) when attending aerobic-based classes. Most people would have probably given up. Not me, I was persistent and continued to try.

My persistence led to my being an example of what not to do in class. The instructors would often yell my name out harshly to correct me. Though it was a bit humiliating, I always laughed it off and continued to do my best.

Recently an Orange Theory Fitness (OTF) opened in my city. OTF is unlike any other group exercise class I have ever attended. I would call OTF my exercise “safe space.” The environment is warm and welcoming, and the friendly staff never sets out to embarrass anyone. They embrace all levels of fitness.

OTF does a lot of things right, which I believe is something we as educators could use in our own classrooms:

●     Individualized Instruction: If I do something wrong in class, I don’t have to worry about getting called out for my mistake. Instead, a coach just quietly and politely corrects me in an unassuming manner.

●     Giving Directions: Anxiety often sets in because I want so intensely to do everything right that I may get so nervous and forget the exercises. However, OTF provides a physical demonstration of the exercise by the coach and then a recap of the activity on a TV monitor.

●     Differentiated Instruction: Each class is tailored to each person’s own fitness level. The instructors always offer modifications for every exercise provided. Ensuring that no one gets injured and they get the best workout.

●     Safe Environment: The gym is always clean and well organized. OTF recognizes people who take their first class by congratulating them on making their first step to meeting their fitness goals.

●     Formative and Summative Data: Members are expected to wear a heart rate monitor in each class to track their progress. A report is sent after each class so members can see the progress they have made in the course. They also have milestone days where they record your mileage so that you can see your progress made in the class.

Could you use some of OTF’s best practices into your classroom?

Let’s look at some examples:

●     Individualized Instruction: Instead of singling out struggling students inadvertently, could you do a quick thumbs-up, thumbs down to see who may need some extra attention?

●     Giving Directions: Can you provide students with written, verbal, and video tutorial instructions, allowing students to pick the best directions for their learning style?

●     Differentiated Instruction: Do you offer your students opportunities to complete their assignment in an application that fits their interests like writing an essay, making an electronic presentation, or creating an infographic? Students perform best when they are actively involved in their learning. 

●     Safe Environment: Is your classroom set-up conducive for learning? Are materials adequately labeled and easy to locate?  Do you recognize all students for even the smallest accomplishments? Can you send a good news note home to showcase a student who may never get recognition?

●     Formative and Summative Data: Do you monitor student achievement through formative and summative assessments? Are you able to see how well students are progressing in your class? Do students know how well they are performing in your class?

As an educator, I share this example because I wonder how many of our students have anxiety when they walk into our classrooms. Is the class clown trying to be funny, or are they masking their fear of not understanding the information? Or, what about the shy student who maybe knows the answer to a question but freezes up when asked in front of the class?

Remember, as you go into your classroom each day, our students struggle with issues inside and outside of the school. Let’s provide students with a safe space to be confident, life-long learners. I use the Orange Theory Fitness example because it shows that with the right instructional approach, any student can be successful.

What can you do to make your students’ learning experiences positive?  Share your thoughts in the comments section.