[Fred Brattain]

As someone who has taught a variety of disciplines for a LONG time . I want to support what Compda has said. You need to get the student HOOKED. However, the issue, as he has said is not in knowing what to teach, but how to teach/REACH that particular student. There are all sorts of learning theories out there, but what it boils down to is developing the ability to look your student in the eye and SEE that they are getting it. One of the things that I always tell my students is this.

I am responsible for communication. If you do not understand what I am trying to teach, that is NOT YOUR FAULT. It is mine. TELL me you do not understand and I will explain it a different way. If that fails, I will explain it a different way. IF THAT FAILS, I will find someone who CAN explain it in a manner that makes sense to you.

YOU are responsible for your own education. If you don't understand it is YOUR job to say so. If you tell me you understand and you don't, THAT is YOUR fault. BUT, as long as you keep trying, and keep letting me know when you don't get it, I have infinite patience.

I have NO patience with someone who will not put forth the effort to be the student. That means not only letting me know when you don't get it (if necessary repeatedly ) but also being willing to put in the work necessary to learn what we are trying to accomplish. You as the student MUST be AGGRESSIVE about your learning experience.

BTW I never charge by the hour, be it golf, shooting, or agility training. I charge by the lesson. I feel this is more fair, and if you "get it" in 20 minutes, there is no point in continuing to pound on a live horse. If it takes you two hours to "get it", that isn't your problem, it's mine, so why should I charge you extra?. I don't teach as many lessons per day, but it does even out, because sometimes it's short and sweet, and sometimes it's a bit longer. But the student ALWAYS feels succesful at the end of the time together. Nothing else makes as big a difference.

BTW I teach less for the money than for the joy of seeing the light come on for someone. The "your lesson changed my life" is more to me than $$$$.... I teach to give something back...

Don't get me wrong ... the money is nice but, I have done the "fame and fortune" bit in my life, and I am over that.


Walk In Beauty,

Obi WunPutt