Critical Thinking for Yoga Teachers: Confident, Clear, Compassionate Teaching

Why Does Critical Thinking Matter?

Chances are that you are familiar with the term 'evidence-based', but do you wonder what this actually means in relation to the claims being made?  Do we tend to lean into statements that confirm what we already think?  

Realistically it is just not possible to overcome our bias in every situation or to objectively evaluate every bit of evidence we encounter.  However, we are able to learn how to approach claims and statements.  We can take steps to examine our own perspectives, to access and be able to understand evidence, and to talk about evidence accurately. 

Critical thinking is like having a North Star, it is a guide.  

How is this useful for me as a yoga teacher?  Confirmation from science opens another possibility for exploration within our yoga practice.   We also benefit from developing a scientific language, reaching those who value a scientific perspective.

What Will I Learn?

• How to accurately explain the benefits of yoga.
• Communication skills for conveying clear explanations, able to acknowledge uncertainty without losing confidence (how to respond when you don’t know).
• Skills for establishing professionalism and credibility: build trust with your students, able to share yoga in other contexts.

Course Structure

Part 1: Why Critical Thinking Matters (with Andrew)

Part 2: Introduction to Research Methodology: Understanding evidence (with Kristen)

Part 3: The Role of Communication: How to talk about benefits accurately (with Andrew)

Part 4: Practical Pillars of Critical Thinking: A framework for everyday use (with Kristen)

Meet the Teachers

Dr Andrew McGonigle, MD, known also as Doctor Yogi, medically trained yoga anatomy and physiology teacher.  Andrew is known for his workshops and trainings giving a science-informed perspective on teaching yoga.  He is the author of two books, 'Supporting Yoga Students with Common Injuries and Conditions' and 'The Physiology of Yoga: An evidence-based look at how yoga affects health and well-being'.  

Dr Kristen MacPherson, DPhil, is the Director of Yogacampus.  In the first half of her career, Kristen worked in academic research - for university departments (large-scale research studies) and in research consultancy (systematic reviews).  As an experienced yoga teacher and teacher trainer, she see the value of applying the skills of critical thinking to our practice and how we share yoga with others.