Excessive talking

[Allen Evans]

Meh, that's what a blog is for.

I'd miss the ability to pummel the ones who aren't paying attention.

[RITFencing]

A touch of drift...

I've often thought that it might be useful to get all of my students in one place a few times a year and give a few prepared lectures on fencing theory, so I can say it to all of them at once rather than repeat myself twenty or thirty times over the course of a few months.

Sometimes, talking is useful.

A

This can be a really great addition to a camp or clinic where everything is focused on one or two topics anyway, and a few small lectures or discussions on the topic can help everyone better understand what's going on and provide a mental exercise when they need physical rest, keep them on task, and break things up to keep attention spans high.

[VorpalCat]

I'd miss the ability to pummel the ones who aren't paying attention.

My freshman civics teacher would peg an eraser at students he felt weren't paying enough attention. I'm now picturing Allen with a french pommel or two in his pocket, ready to fire them at the unsuspecting gabbers in the back of the group....

[Allen Evans]

The new tungstun ones....

Awesome sound when they hit....

[Alexander Kai]

I'd miss the ability to pommel the ones who aren't paying attention.

Fixed that for you.

---

But in all seriousness its tempting to do that, the trouble is that they claim they're too busy. But I think that's only because its getting closer to summer. In the fall when we start up again, this might make more sense.

[Lady Quindecim]

Meh, that's what a blog is for.

But it is so hard to convey hand gestures via blog.

[tbryan]

very long post....
But the goal is always to do the action

Clearly, I didn't have a lesson plan for that reply, and I was aware of the irony of writing a long reply to a thread about talking too much.

For some of us, it takes a lot of effort to say less. If that includes you, then it may help to ask yourself this question: why are you talking? If your goal is to get the fencers doing the things you're teaching, then you want to talk (and have them not doing) as little as possible.

So, why are you talking? Here are some possible answers:

• define terms
• provide instructions for the drill
• provide a brief list of points for self-correction
• correct a specific problem (e.g., error in execution, misunderstanding of the instructions, etc.)
• provide brief motivation for the lesson (i.e., why are we learning this, and what is the focus of this drill)

[Alexander Kai]

It's funny that you mentioned that, because when I first write the original post I was increasingly self-conscious..... But I am aware of my excess verbiage. I will take what you have said into account in the future.

For the time being I think I'll just have a giant inter club tournament, end with lots of fencing and less talking, go out with a bang you might say, and re-consider my teaching strategies for the fall.

Thank ya'll.

Clearly, I didn't have a lesson plan for that reply, and I was aware of the irony of writing a long reply to a thread about talking too much.

For some of us, it takes a lot of effort to say less. If that includes you, then it may help to ask yourself this question: why are you talking? If your goal is to get the fencers doing the things you're teaching, then you want to talk (and have them not doing) as little as possible.

So, why are you talking? Here are some possible answers:

• define terms
• provide instructions for the drill
• provide a brief list of points for self-correction
• correct a specific problem (e.g., error in execution, misunderstanding of the instructions, etc.)
• provide brief motivation for the lesson (i.e., why are we learning this, and what is the focus of this drill)

[Delta]

You could also press yourself with the five Es listed below. Perhaps you're getting stuck in the engage ande explain aspects, so students lack the other three.

Engage:
Explore:
Explain:
Elaborate:
Evaluate:

[Gav]

Wouldn't a simple "yes" have sufficed?

A

I would've said, "I'm wondering why you aren't on fire yet."