Using Educational Theory to Guide Yoga Teaching
Most of my life since I was 22 has been spent working as a school teacher, athletics coach, and administrator for k-12 schools. I have a Master’s degree in pedagogy for school-aged children and am a PhD candidate in psychology. I have studied the science of how the brain learns and how to maximize time and space to ensure efficient achievement of the set intentions or objectives.
When I became a yoga teacher, my brain automatically jumped to what educators call backward planning or backward design. It is the concept of beginning your planning process with the end of mind. This concept is an instructional design framework that involves setting learning goals first and then planning instructional activities and assessments that align with those goals. This approach is often used in educational settings to create meaningful and coherent learning experiences. When combined with Universal Design for Learning (UDL), it aims to ensure that all students, regardless of their abilities or learning preferences, have equal access to learning opportunities.
Integrating UDL into Yoga Instruction
The concept of backward planning was popularized by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe in their book "Understanding by Design" (UbD). Using this framework in instructional planning is not only goal-oriented but also accessible and inclusive for all learners. If you’ve ever taken a K-12 Educator course in college or grad school, you know this work.
UDL involves three main stages:
First- Identify Desired Results:
Determine what students should know, understand, and be able to do by the end of a lesson or unit. This involves setting clear learning objectives and standards.
Then- Determine Acceptable Evidence:
Decide on the assessments and criteria that will demonstrate students' mastery of the learning goals. This could include tests, projects, presentations, or other forms of evidence that align with the objectives.
Finally- Plan Learning Experiences and Instruction:
Develop instructional activities, resources, and teaching strategies that will lead students to achieve the learning goals. This stage focuses on creating engaging and effective learning experiences that align with the desired outcomes.
Wait, what?
OK, so instead of starting your lesson planning process with “first we will do an opening sequence, then we will move into Surya Namascar A” start with the why of the class. Why are student’s coming to your session? What do you want them to have before they leave at the end of the session? Identify objectives, then identify how you’ll assess/measure, then design your lessons sequence.
Benefits of Integrating Backward Planning and UDL
Enhanced Accessibility: Ensures that all students can access and engage with the curriculum.
Focused Learning: Aligns activities and assessments with clear objectives, promoting deeper understanding.
Student-Centered Approach: Encourages student autonomy and personalization of learning experiences.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Provides options that cater to diverse learning styles and needs
UDL principles allow yoga teachers to create inclusive and accessible classes that cater to a diverse range of students with varying abilities, preferences, and needs. Let's quickly review the three primary UDL principles:
Multiple Means of Engagement:
Purpose: To stimulate interest and motivation for learning.
Application in Yoga: Offer a variety of ways to engage students, such as providing choices in practice, setting personal goals, or incorporating mindfulness and meditation.
Multiple Means of Representation:
Purpose: To present information in different ways to cater to diverse learning preferences.
Application in Yoga: Use verbal cues, visual demonstrations, tactile feedback, and other sensory methods to teach poses and concepts.
Multiple Means of Action and Expression:
Purpose: To allow students to demonstrate their understanding and skills in different ways.
Application in Yoga: Encourage students to express themselves through movement, use modifications and props, and allow for varied approaches to practicing poses.
Applying UDL Principles in Yoga Teaching
Multiple Means of Engagement
Engagement is a crucial aspect of yoga practice, as it keeps students motivated and connected to their practice. Here’s how yoga teachers can apply UDL principles to enhance engagement:
Offer Choices:
Vary the Class Structure: Provide options for different sequences or poses so students can always experiment and choose what resonates with them.
Choice of Intensity: Allow students to decide the level of intensity they want to engage in, such as offering both challenging poses and gentler variations.
Personal Goals: Encourage students to set their own intentions or goals for the class, whether it’s focusing on flexibility, strength, relaxation, or mindfulness.
Create a Supportive Environment:
Inclusive Language: Use language that is welcoming and non-judgmental. Avoid assumptions about abilities and preferences.
Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness exercises to help students become more present and engaged in their practice.
Encourage Exploration: Invite students to explore poses and transitions at their own pace, emphasizing self-awareness and personal growth rather than perfection.
Build Community:
Collaborative Practices: Include partner or group activities that encourage social interaction and support.
Feedback Opportunities: Provide opportunities for students to give feedback on the class structure and content, helping them feel valued and involved.
Multiple Means of Representation
Representation in yoga involves using different methods to teach poses, concepts, and philosophies. Here’s how UDL can be applied to ensure that all students can access and understand the material:
Use Varied Instructional Methods:
Verbal Cues: Provide clear, descriptive, trauma conscious instructions for each pose, focusing on alignment, breath, and intention. Use imagery and metaphors to help students visualize and understand movements.
Visual Demonstrations: Demonstrate poses clearly, using your own body or videos. Offer different angles and perspectives to cater to various learning styles.
Tactile Feedback: Use hands-on adjustments with consent to guide students into proper alignment and deepen their understanding of poses.
Incorporate Technology:
Digital Resources: Provide access to online videos, tutorials, and apps that students can use outside of class for further exploration.
Visual Aids: Use charts, diagrams, or posters to illustrate anatomy, pose sequences, or philosophical concepts.
Cultural Inclusivity:
Diverse Representation: Include a variety of cultural perspectives and practices in your teaching, respecting the diverse backgrounds of your students.
Philosophical Concepts: Explain the historical and cultural context of yoga practices, allowing students to connect with the deeper aspects of yoga.
Multiple Means of Action and Expression
Action and expression in yoga refer to how students perform poses and express themselves through movement. UDL encourages offering multiple ways for students to engage physically and express their understanding:
Provide Modifications and Variations:
Pose Adaptations: Offer variations of poses to accommodate different skill levels, body types, and abilities. Use props like blocks, straps, and bolsters to support students.
Alternative Transitions: Suggest alternative ways to move into or out of poses, catering to individual needs and limitations.
Encourage Individual Expression:
Creative Sequencing: Allow students to explore their own flow or sequencing, encouraging creativity and personal expression within the practice.
Expressive Movement: Incorporate dance or free movement sessions where students can express themselves through spontaneous movements.
Adaptable Feedback:
Peer Feedback: Facilitate opportunities for students to give and receive feedback from peers, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Personal Reflection: Encourage students to reflect on their practice and progress, using journaling or self-assessment tools.
Tips for Implementing UDL in Yoga Teaching
Here are some additional tips to help yoga teachers effectively implement UDL principles in their classes:
Know Your Students:
Get to know your students' preferences, abilities, and goals. Use surveys or conversations to gather information about their needs and interests.
Plan for Flexibility:
Design lesson plans with built-in flexibility, allowing for adjustments based on student feedback and classroom dynamics.
Create an Inclusive Environment:
Ensure that your teaching space is accessible and welcoming to all students, considering physical, sensory, and cultural factors.
Continuously Reflect and Improve:
Regularly assess the effectiveness of your teaching methods and seek feedback from students to make improvements.
Use Technology and Resources:
Incorporate technology, online resources, and multimedia tools to enhance the learning experience and provide additional support.
Conclusion
Integrating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles into yoga teaching fosters an inclusive and accessible environment that caters to the diverse needs of students. By offering multiple means of engagement, representation, and action/expression, yoga teachers can create meaningful and personalized learning experiences that empower students to explore and grow in their practice. This approach not only enhances physical practice but also supports emotional and mental well-being, encouraging students to develop a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them.
See you on the mat.
Namaste, Meaghan
P.S.: I encourage you to check out my RESOURCES page, as there is a sample lesson plan template there to guide you through all of the steps of backward planning your next yoga class. If you’re a yoga teacher looking to up your instructional planning, I’ve designed this with YOU in mind.
