Which age group is the easiest to teach??? The young ones have no pre conceived idea how things should be so it seems they would be the easiest ones to teach, while the older ones might be the most eager to learn. Good job, you are doing great. POWDERMAN.
In the few years I have been teaching I haven't noticed finding it easier to teach based on someone's age, just different. The kids are more fun because I get to be just a little lighter with them, play games, and do creative activities to incorporate the new techniques in a manner that is both exciting and informative. Since repetition is the key to learning most aspects of karate then the longer I can keep their attention the more they learn. By keeping the class fast paced and ever changing the 'activities' they don't grow bored even though they are doing the same techniques over and over again. Having a child's undivided attention for forty-five minutes is the biggest struggle, so it is energy draining, but enjoyable to me.
With adults I don't have to be as creative in my explanation of things as they seem to learn more easily than children. I don't have to be so high energy and can get more in depth with the philosophies of karate and how and why things work. They are more likely to understand the real world applications of the techniques and appreciate the beauty, grace, and practicality of the forms. I enjoy this just as much because I get to teach all aspects with them as with children I am limited to toning it down. Ya just can't teach an five year old how to kill someone with one blow, so the adults give me the opportunity to teach more and play less, but I enjoy both teaching and playing equally.
The hardest people to teach aren't based on age, but personality. I can teach anyone who wants to learn, but we often get students who don't really want to be there and no matter how I explain things to them or how many times we go over things they will never truly learn the art. They may remember the moves, but they don't display any other traits of a Martial Artist, and those are the most difficult students to have. It saddens me to know that they will never appreciate or embrace the ways of the art, and it bothers me that they are wasting their time and mine!
Heather