“K” is a 24 year-old boy that took a trial lesson with me about a month ago. He was so nervous that he made ME nervous. I put him in “Pink Level Only” because I was sure he couldn’t cope in a group lesson… He joined, to my surprise… He came for his first lesson and was a total wreck…After he left I was sure that he wouldn’t be back…But he came back, took three lessons last week. After teaching him a few lessons I know that this youngster has a few social fears, but realized that he had enough courage to knock on my door. Nervous isn’t the word, so it may be difficult to visualize…
During his final lesson last week I noticed a sudden burst of relaxation, confidence was surfacing, and at the end of the lesson he said “Jim san nice guy.” I GOT HIM!!!! Now, not only am I helping him learn and communicate in English, but yes, this is a fabulous example of coaching communicative confidence…His “leap” into Smith’s is certainly going to help him in other areas of his social life…Made the hairs on my arms stand up when he said that to me!!!! I love this job…
jim
Very well done Jim. C.C.C. Coaching Communicative Confidence. This is a fine example of just how much can help our students as coaches. The fact that you persevered and helped this fellow through is very much a testimony to just how much you care.
Make me proud Jim, makes me very proud.
Mark.
New students are like timid flowers, and good coaches are the busy bees trying to open them up in time for spring. Too poetic? In other words- nice work. I think everyone has had this same student. Seeing a new student go from nervous and shy to honest and open is all the payback a teacher could ask for.
Well done!
Edward, SSE Ohtsu