Just wing it

I was anxious. Why? I did not have another skill prepared for the activity. I did not have a backup for my backup plan. That was the time when I knew I had to invest on skills or perhaps, learn a new one. The activity for the day was called Three-way Teaching. Basically, there was a small group which comprised of three members. The members took turns in teaching, learning and giving feedback. Each one should have a skill to share among the group. First, I was the one giving the feedback. In order to give apt feedback, one must be observant towards the task at hand. I used the “Sandwich method” and an appropriate tone. For the next turn, I became the learner. I was taught how to properly dribble a ball: the proper form, the exercise itself and how it could be important to me.  Excitement rushed through me as I learned the skill. For me, the whole point of becoming a learner was acquiring a new skill. However, as I transitioned to the teacher’s role, I was not prepared. How could I teach a skill that she already knew? So I just taught what I just learned: how to properly dribble a ball. I felt the pressure, knowing that the person who taught me was the one who would give feedback later. As it turned out, my learner acquired the skill. But my knowledge about it lacked. Thus, remembering these things are important: Be observant of the task and take note of tone when providing feedback. Balance good points and points for improvement. Make sure you know the task you are teaching and that you can do it.  Assess what your learner could do and start from there. Be prepared for anything. And when all else fails, just wing it.