Breakdown
What are A, B and C Students? Every activity will have participants that fall into an A, B or C category. These categories carry across many platforms from school, to sports, to dance and even martial arts. We are going to break down what each of those are and how to best optimize your efforts as a teacher, coach, or instructor.
A Student
An A student is your all star. Always early and ready to go. They constantly give your their best and try to improve. These individuals are mostly self motivated. They want to attend all extra curricular activities offered. It is very easy to love these students. A lot of coaches/instructors will lean into these students and put them on a pedestal and invest more time with this student than others. That is understood, these students make us feel better but in my opinion, this is not where your efforts should be heavily invested. These students are going to do well with or without you all over them. Not saying to ignore them but choose your time more wisely.
B Student
Most people will find themselves in the B student category. B students do average, maybe slightly more. They like what they are doing but its not their top priority. They come into classes they are expected to. These students will struggle a bit with a lot of different things but not enough to cause defeat. If there are extra curriculars offered, they are only interested sometimes. This is where we as instructors/coaches need to invest time. B students can be swayed into A or C categories rather easily. Sometimes all it takes is a little personal attention, to feel wanted where they are or to feel like their efforts matter.
A few easy things to help bring a B student up to a level A: (over affection can be bad too, so pick one and go with it)
- acknowledge them one on one after a good class
- call home to make sure their parents know how good they did that day
- have them help you demonstrate (give them some spotlight)
- send a post card letting them know you’re proud of the progress they have made
- lastly, find a role for them to play at the school. can be small. help the new students find where to put their shoes before class, can you help straighten up the pads for me. that little trust and responsibility goes a long way.
C Student
C students are the ones who are practically out the door. They come in because they feel obligated or are forced to be there. When they come to class, they give little to no effort. These students probably need you more than anyone else. Find a way to reach these students. What interests them? What motivates them? Martial arts may not be their thing and that is ok. But what can you do to help them want to make best use of the time you have with them anyway? Students leave or quit for a multitude of reasons. A lot of times I feel like it is missed opportunity to find the real root of it all. There is no easy fix to a C student other than to talk with them, their parents and see what caused the change of heart. Stay honest and do not compromise the morals of what you and the school stand for. If it is due to discouragement because now it’s difficult or they are intimated by the standards in place, help turn that into a goal setting lesson to get where they want to be.
Conclusion
When it comes to students, there is very little that is out of your hands. Parents and individuals will always find a way if you or what you are doing holds a high value to them. If you coach or teach it is probably because you enjoy it. The teaching and coaching itself is just a small piece of what makes a great and successful instructor. There is always another school, team, club or class. Students stay because they invest in you. Be sure to invest the best of you in the people and places that need it the most.
- Contact in Martial Training, Hitting and Getting Hit another key to perfection - November 20, 2023
- A, B and C Students - October 19, 2023
- In Martial Arts, Does Style Matter? - September 25, 2023
Leave a Reply