For A better Tai Ji (Chi) Learning Experience

A sound structure and teaching method can make a big difference in students’ learning experience. It is true for Tai Ji (Chi) classes as well. I hope from taking Tai Ji classes, everyone will learn the fundamental and the techniques of Tai Ji; can get the postures and movements right. The best outcome from taking the Tai Ji classes is everyone can remember what they have learned so they will be able to practice it wherever they go and whenever they feel like it.

The Structure and Teaching Method of the Tai Ji Classes Before the COVID-19 Pandemic:

To help to achieve the best outcome, a Tai Ji class has consisted of four sections: 1). Stretching, 2), Basic Tai Ji exercises, 3). Qigong, and 4). learning a Tai Ji Quan form step by step. Refer to “Tai Ji (Chi) Class-Brief Introduction” and” How to Protect Knees When Practicing Tai Ji“). In the first three sections of the class, everyone follow the teacher, while in the last section, the class was divided into groups based on where they were in the learning curve. The teacher walked around to each group ( include one or more students), to correct their postures, answer their questions, and help them continue to learn from where they left last time. Everyone could learn at the pace they were comfortable with. News students could join the class with no need to worry about if they could catch up with others because they can learn at their own pace.

The Structure and Teaching Method of the Current Tai Ji classes

Since the pandemic, the structure and teaching method of Tai Ji classes have changed a little bit. Mostly is in the last section of the class. Instead of being divided into different groups, everyone learns the same steps and move forward at the same pace. The main reason for this change is that the Tai Ji class was reopened in June, initially as a hybrid class. Imagine how the People who join the class virtually would feel when they saw everyone doing different things on the screen. It can be quite confusing and make personalized teaching difficult. To adapt to the situation, we added a new Tai Ji class for beginners. So experienced and someones who are new Tai Ji can learn in different classes. It worked more or less for a while.

Now we begin to see the drawbacks as time passed. We begin to notice the discrepancy in the learning curve in both experienced and beginners classes for various reasons. We also realized that the current structure and teaching method are not friendly to new students. It is very difficult for people who never learned Tai Ji to simply jump into the classes and learn.