Tell us about a time when you received feedback from a student or client and how you incorporated it into your teaching.

SENIOR LEVEL

Sample answer to the question:

Once, I received feedback from a student who mentioned that they were having difficulty following the flow of a Vinyasa class that I was teaching. I appreciated their honesty and took their feedback seriously. To address this issue, I incorporated more detailed verbal cues during the class to guide students through the transitions between poses. I also made sure to provide modifications and options for different levels of difficulty. After the class, I approached the student and asked for specific areas they found challenging, so I could focus on them in future classes. Overall, the feedback helped me become more aware of the needs of my students and improve my instructional techniques.

Here is a more solid answer:

I vividly remember a time when a student approached me after a Hatha Yoga class and shared that they were struggling to understand the correct alignment in certain poses. I thanked them for their feedback and assured them that I would address it. In the following classes, I focused on providing more detailed instructions, using visual demonstrations, and offering hands-on adjustments to ensure proper alignment. I also created a handout that explained the key alignment principles for those poses. After incorporating these changes, the same student approached me again and expressed how much they appreciated the improvements. This experience taught me the importance of clear communication and individualized attention to meet the unique needs of each student.

Why is this a more solid answer?

The solid answer provides specific details about the feedback received and how it was incorporated into teaching. It also highlights the candidate's skills in yoga techniques, teaching styles, demonstration and instruction, and connecting with students. However, it can further emphasize the candidate's mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques, as well as their strong leadership and organizational abilities.

An example of a exceptional answer:

During a workshop focused on mindfulness and stress reduction, a participant shared that they found it challenging to stay present and calm during the practice. To address this, I incorporated more breathwork and guided meditation techniques into the workshop. I also offered personalized guidance and support to help the participant connect with their breath and cultivate a sense of calm. After the workshop, the participant approached me and expressed how transformative the experience was for them. They mentioned feeling more grounded and equipped with practical tools to manage stress in their daily life. This feedback reinforced the importance of adapting my teaching approach to meet the specific needs of individuals and creating a safe space for self-exploration and growth.

Why is this an exceptional answer?

The exceptional answer goes beyond just incorporating feedback into teaching, it demonstrates the candidate's ability to adapt their teaching approach to meet specific needs and create a safe space for self-exploration and growth. It showcases the candidate's skills in mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques, and their strong leadership and organizational abilities. However, it can still provide more examples of the candidate's extensive knowledge of yoga techniques and philosophy, as well as their proficiency in teaching various styles of yoga.

How to prepare for this question:

Reflect on past experiences where you received feedback from students or clients and how you incorporated it into your teaching.

Think about specific examples and details to make your answer more compelling and memorable.

Highlight your extensive knowledge of yoga techniques and philosophy. Explain how you incorporate it into your teaching.

Discuss your proficiency in teaching various styles of yoga, such as Vinyasa, Hatha, Ashtanga, etc.

Emphasize your excellent demonstration and instruction skills. Provide examples of how you effectively communicate instructions to students.

Mention your ability to connect and communicate with students of all backgrounds. Share experiences where you created an inclusive and supportive environment for diverse groups.

Talk about your mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques. Describe how you incorporate them into your classes and workshops.

Highlight your strong leadership and organizational abilities. Discuss instances where you provided mentorship and guidance to less experienced staff and practitioners.

Finally, prepare to discuss how you manage client inquiries related to yoga sessions and how you handle and incorporate feedback from students or clients.

Overall, be confident and enthusiastic about sharing how you incorporate feedback into your teaching and create a positive experience for your students.

What are interviewers evaluating with this question?