Practicum: Demonstration, Teaching Practice, Viva and Self-Assessment
What is assessed
Demonstration, teaching practice, viva and self-assessment. Examiners look for accurate technique, clear communication, safety, sequencing and the ability to reflect on your own teaching.
Demonstration
Choose 5–8 āsanas across categories. For each: Sanskrit and English name, starting position, entry and exit, alignment cues, breath, common error, modification, contraindication. Demonstrate at a pace the class can follow; do not hide the body with loose clothing or poor angles.
Teaching practice
Deliver a 10–15 minute segment from a written plan. State the aim and contraindications. Use demonstration, verbal cue and observation in a loop. Include a counterpose and a relaxation. Keep time.
Viva
Expect definitions (yoga, āsana, prāṇāyāma), text references (YS 1.2, 2.46; Gita 2.47; Haṭhapradīpikā), anatomy (diaphragm, vagus), and safety (contraindications for inversions, retention, pregnancy). Answer precisely; if unsure, say what you would check.
Self-assessment
Use a rubric: voice, clarity, confidence, sequencing, timing, safety, student engagement, and accuracy. Review video or peer feedback, write one strength and one change for the next class.
Worked example
After teaching surya namaskāra, you notice you rushed the last rounds and omitted a counterpose. Reasoning: time management and sequencing caused the error. Next plan: reduce rounds from 12 to 8 and add a supine twist and savāsana.
Traps
Memorised viva answers without understanding; no contraindications; forgetting counterposes; poor time control; ignoring feedback.