ASK A TRAINER
Solutions for Classroom Challenges
Voices from the Training Community
By Jamie McKay , CPDT-KSA
Ask 10 trainers a question and you ’ ll get 10 different answers ! If you have a suggestion for a topic to be covered in this series , please email jamiemckay @ optonline . net .
This challenge was suggested by Jamie McKay , CPDT KSA :
How do trainers ensure that everyone attending class gets individual attention ? I realize that it ’ s not always possible to do so in a group class setting but teams who are doing well in class often get a lot less attention than others who are struggling . What could I do better to ensure that everyone gets their fair share of the instructor ’ s time ?
Pat Miller , CBCC-KA , CPDT-KA www . peaceablepaws . com As I make the rounds I check in with each training team for each new behavior we introduce and each past behavior we review . We also often have assistants in our classes who make the rounds - and if I see someone is struggling , I will ask an assistant to give them additional help while I continue to teach the class . We keep our classes small — limiting class size to six — so that even if an instructor doesn ’ t have an assistant they should be able to get around to each student for some quality time . Finally , if a student is really having a hard time with something we may ask them to stay after class for 10-15 minutes for some extra coaching , and if they need more than that we ’ ll suggest scheduling a private training session to help them work through whatever it is that is so challenging for them .
Abby Harrison , CPDT-KA Welcome to Sit Dog Stay One way to try to have balance is to look around and ask yourself “ Who haven ’ t I helped today ”?
I also try to notice when someone is doing something well and compliment them . It gives them a little more confidence . Never underestimate the power of telling a student that you like how they are doing something or that they are doing well .
Christine Allaire , MCP , PPG-CTP www . lagottocristalino . com Every time I introduce something new I ask someone in the class a question related to the topic just explained . I make sure each person gets asked at least one question throughout the class session . Everyone receives praise and a candy treat for their answer .
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