Embodied Instruction: An Exploration and Qualitative Comparison of Expression and Performance of Yoga Instruction

Background: An inclusive, whole-child model of education is shifting the paradigm into an integrative mind-body approach. Toward contextualizing learning at close cartesian era, current work explores embodied instruction through lens a teacher whose primary focus integration mind and body. Perhaps longest standing curriculum aimed learning, yoga provides unique perspective on techniques experiences teaching. Method: This case study employed in-depth explorative participatory design to observe instructor intentions in performance instruction. Consecutive interviews (5) conjunction with observation weekly classes (8) were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, triangulated researcher memos. A grounded comparative methodology was used analyze expressed understanding performed Results: In-depth revealed four themes instruction: energetic state, personality instruction, inviting experience student vulnerability. Participatory observations scoping, cadence, silence, practice. Overlap observed found each theme. example thematic concept experience: “If someone comes very first time invasive says, “Do this, do this.” And next pose hovering over them, you are not going go back. You hate it so much [I] let people be really all place beginning as long they safe. allow them that kind freedom, initially”. further supported instruction; this is: “ We’re play [a posture]. firmness your abs, engage core foot might lift. Maybe both feet.” “with arms firm, maybe legs straighten”. Conclusion: The yields preliminary insight strategies support development teaching learning.