[Guide] Teaching Basics 0.2.0

[Jsc]

Teaching Basics. [Guide]

Hello. I'm Jay, and I'd like to start by saying this guide is simply a series of recommendations taken from my own personal experience. To begin, I list a number of bullet points and explain as we go,

___

1. TEACHING IS AN EVOLUTION:

You as a reader are in no way obligated to conform to these methods. And I fully expect every Trainer and Mentor on these boards to teach at their own pace, in their own style, and in their own very-personalized manner. Thanks and enjoy.

2. UNDERSTANDING NEEDS:

Let's assume you are now a teacher. Before you begin teaching, take the time to PM your new student and get to know them as a Writer. Here are some suggestions to learn about their Writer that can help you get off to a great start:

• What is their name?
• What country are they from?
• Do they speak English as a second language?
• How often to they post?
• Do they an Instant Messenger?
• What are their goals when they RP on the boards?
• What do they want you to teach them?
• What are their expectations of their teacher?

Learn as much as you can about your new student. Communicate and become friends. You have many fun adventures ahead of you.

3. ASKING QUESTIONS:

During training it is important to also get to know your new student. Take the time to ask your student questions IC during training. Get to know them as a character and seek to build upon their strengths. He are some suggestions to ask their Character:

• Why did you become a Jedi?
• What is your native culture like?
• What do you enjoy most in life?
• Do you have any hobbies as a Jedi?
• What is your occupation or specialty as a Jedi?
• What do you want to do when you become a Jedi Knight?
• How do you see yourself as a Jedi Master?
• Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Again. Learn as much as you can about your new student. Communicate and become friends. You have many fun adventures ahead of you.

4. RESOLVING CONCERNS:

It is understandable that conflicts will arise when teaching. Your student may wish to do something you might rather they didn't. Or, your student might feel your teaching is taxing or unnecessary. In these situations, again. Here are some suggestions:

• Learn to ask questions. Both IC, and OOC. Remember, this be a wonderful opportunity to grow stronger as a team by overcoming obstacles. Or, it can also be a great plot device to show drama and conflict.
• As above. Work as a team and communicate with one another. Don't let what happens IC tint your perspective of the writer OOC. They might just plotting another fun idea in disguise.
• Learn to let go. It is part of the natural teaching process for the Student to one-day become the Master. As a teacher, remember to never patronize your students or look down on them. One-day they will become stronger than you ever imagined possible. Maybe even stronger than you.

Remember. This is only a game. Don't sweat the small stuff. And it's all, small stuff.

5. TEACH TO THE POINT:

Brevity, is the soul of wit. And Shakespeare was right. Teach to the point and stay on topic. Here are some suggestions that might help:

• Ask your student what they want to learn. Then teach them it.
• Expound outwards. Magnify inwards. But do not ramble. Be very specific to the Skill you are teaching. Tomorrow they can learn the other stuff.
• Be creative later. You don't get bonus points for being new, inventive, or creative as a teacher. You get bonus points when your student understands the lesson; and THEY can now be new, inventive, and creative.
• If they want more. Teach them to ask.

In short. Don't waste your student's time. Or yours. Teach until they understand. Then stop. If you think they don't understand? Ask questions and resolve concerns. Rinse and repeat.

6. PRAISE AND ENCOURAGE:

Praise and encouragement are part of teaching. They are called 'reinforcements'. They strengthen your teachings methods and solidify memories. Use them often and always when earned. Here are some more tips:

• Avoid the Negative. It leads to the Dark Side.
• You can never be too nice. They will only love you for it.
• There is a time for Tough-Love. But always err on the side of Abundant-Love.
• When in doubt. Laugh. Laughing away common mistakes only makes them easier for you student to give them up anyway.
• Jest and joke. But do not distract or disrespect. Everybody loves a sense-of-humor. Nobody loves a fool.

In short. Be optimistic and positive. Teach with emotion, with understanding, and with love.

7. BUILD CHARACTER:

Character building. It's not just for RPG's. This is why the Jedi Code exists. Let's talk IC with a few more tips about building characters:

• Building a Character is a process. Start at the foundation and work up.
• Embrace all good things. But remember, that some things are better than others.
• Build upon your student's strengths and help them overcome their weaknesses.
• Assistance is necessary. However, you need only lean on a cane to walk. Clutch it, and you will fall.
• Personal Independence is a good thing for your trainee. Financial Independence is even better.
• Teach your student how to live on their own. Without anybody taking care of them. Then, they earn the word 'Individual'.
• Your students do not deserve anything. They earn everything.

In short. Don't just teach skills. Teach success.

8. OUTSOURCING:

Last but not least. Learn to use others. This is a team sport:

• Don't want to teach that lesson? Get someone else to do it.
• Can't make that meeting? Find someone that can.
• Don't have all the answers? Ask for help.
• Wookieepedia. Wookieepedia. Wookieepedia. Nuff said.

You are a teacher. But you are not an island. Enjoy yourself. But you don't have to do everything. The the Force's job, remember.

___

Long story short. Do your best and have fun. It just takes time.

- JSC

 

[Sarge Potteiger]

Closed for Archival.