How to Ask for Feedback in Yoga Classes
7 Strategies to overcome your fear, ask for feedback in yoga classes, and create more inclusive, student-centered yoga classes
I got a great question the other day from a teacher who was experimenting with adding some new elements into her yoga classes. She was concerned about how this was landing with her students and wanted some tips on asking for feedback.
I had a few suggestions, but wanted to open up the discussion to hear how you are adding new elements into your classes, how you ask for feedback, and how you collaborate with your students to create classes that meet everyone’s needs, respect others abilities, goals, cultures, ideas, and invite students into a community that can learn and grow together.
Building a feedback loop in yoga classes is vital for creating an environment that meets the needs of students and fosters growth for both teacher and practitioner.
Below find 7 tips for asking for feedback in yoga classes and, importantly, overcoming fear of receiving feedback.
1) Ask open ended questions.
Instead of asking binary questions (yes/no), ask open-ended questions that encourage students to share their experiences, insights, and help you to learn more about each student in your class. A few examples include:
- How did you feel during today’s yoga class? What aspects of the practice resonated with you the most?”
- In your experience, what do you find most beneficial about our yoga classes? Are there any specific elements you’d like to see more of?
- What are your thoughts on the pacing and structure of our yoga classes? Is there anything you feel could be adjusted or improved to better suit your needs?
- As we continue to evolve our yoga offerings, we’d love to hear your input. What themes or topics would you like to explore in future classes?
- How do you feel about the overall atmosphere and energy in our yoga studio? Are there any changes or additions you’d suggest to enhance the overall experience?
2) Invite Input.
Empower students to suggest themes, areas of focus, music, class styles. You might ask students upon registration or arrival what they came to your class for.
Use tools like Aims Cards, or suggestion cards to gauge interest in areas you want to explore in your classes like breathwork, mantra, meditation, philosophy, advancing practice, anatomy, etc.,
Do regular formal or informal surveys using tools like Google Forms or Survey Monkey. Remember to ask open-ended questions.
Use an anonymous feedback box and encourage students to use the box to share any feedback they may feel uncomfortable expressing openly.
3) Mid-Class Check-Ins:
Incorporate brief check-ins during class to gauge students’ comfort levels, energy levels, and overall satisfaction.
Use these moments to adjust the pace, intensity, or focus of the class based on students’ feedback in real-time.
4) Post-Class Reflection:
Dedicate a few minutes at the end of each class for students to reflect on their experience.
Invite them to journal or share verbally about what resonated with them, what challenges they faced, and any suggestions for improvement.
5) One-on-One Check-Ins:
Make space before or after class, or schedule brief one-on-one meetings with students to discuss their yoga journey and gather personalized feedback.
Use these check-ins to build rapport, address individual needs, and gain insights into what each student values in their practice.
6) Collaborate on Classes and Events
Encourage students to collaborate on how you share classes, or how you might add classes, workshops, or other yoga events.
Open discussions about class content, structure, and themes, demonstrating that their input is valued and respected.
Foster a sense of community by involving students in the decision-making process.
Show students their contributions are valued by following through on their ideas or even inviting them to be part of planning or delivery of special yoga events.
7) Work to overcome your fear of receiving feedback.
It’s natural to feel apprehensive about receiving feedback, especially when it pertains to something as personal as teaching yoga. Remember that feedback is not a reflection of our worth as individuals but rather an opportunity for growth and improvement.
Embrace feedback as a valuable tool for honing your skills, deepening your understanding, and enhancing your connection with your students.
Approach feedback with an open mind and a willingness to learn, recognizing that every piece of feedback, whether positive or constructive, can contribute to your development as a teacher.
Remember that feedback is not about criticism or judgment but about fostering mutual respect, trust, and collaboration within the yoga community.
By cultivating a mindset of curiosity and resilience, you can transform feedback from a source of fear into a catalyst for growth and empowerment in your yoga practice.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to follow through with every suggestion, idea, or piece of feedback. Imagine you’ll gather all of this information together and then you can act on collective feedback rather than every individual suggestion.
In Closing: How to Ask for Feedback in Yoga Class
By incorporating these practices into your teaching approach, you not only create a more inclusive and student-centered environment but also cultivate a community where learning and growth are shared experiences.
Your students will feel empowered to contribute to their own yoga journey, and together, you can co-create classes that resonate deeply with everyone involved.
Let’s continue this conversation and share more insights on how we can elevate our yoga practice together!
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