Are You Checking in With Your Students?

How much interaction do you have with your attendees and students during your training sessions and classes?

As a coach, teacher, trainer, or instructor, are you checking in with the attendees in your classes and workshops? I attend several classes at a local gym. My experiences there have led me to think about how I am as a coach and trainer and how we communicate with our participants and attendees.

Suzy (name changed) is a spin instructor, and she greets you, learns your name, and checks in with you during and at the end of the class. It’s a pleasure to take her class because you feel seen, appreciated, and believe she cares about you.

On the other hand, consider this: You attend a Barre class for the first time.  People said the instructor was wonderful. When you arrive, you tell the instructor, Kathy (name changed), that you are a first-timer. Kathy was more focused on conversing with the regular attendees in the class. Fortunately, another attendee helps and guides you through what equipment is necessary. During the class, Kathy never checks in on how you are doing. When you stop some exercises early because of knee pain, Kathy doesn’t say anything. Many instructors ask at the beginning of a class if there are any physical concerns for the new people. Not Kathy! When the class ends, Kathy is speaking to other people in the class and doesn’t acknowledge you or ask how you liked the class.  

When she sees you in the locker room after class, she simply says “Have a good day.”

Let’s assume the best in people and think that perhaps Kathy is reserved and doesn’t feel comfortable reaching out to new people. Would you come back to that class?

This situation made me ponder about how we perform as instructors, teachers, trainers, and coaches. Do we appreciate each person in our class/workshop? Do we check in with them throughout the class to see if they need any assistance or if they’re having any difficulty? Do we communicate at the end of the class to see how they did and ask if they have any questions? 

What do you do with the attendees of your workshops and classes? Please comment below.