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

Why Does Critical Thinking Matter?

You’ve likely heard the term *evidence-based* — but what does that actually mean when it comes to the claims we hear and share in yoga spaces?

As humans, we naturally gravitate toward ideas that confirm what we already believe. It’s not realistic to expect ourselves to objectively analyse every piece of information we encounter or completely eliminate bias. What we *can* do is learn how to approach claims with curiosity, awareness, and discernment.

Critical thinking gives us a framework for doing exactly that.

It helps us:

• recognise our own assumptions and biases
• understand and interpret evidence more accurately
• communicate about yoga in a way that is honest, nuanced, and accessible

Rather than limiting yoga, critical thinking expands possibility. Scientific inquiry can deepen exploration within practice and provide language that resonates with students who value evidence-informed approaches.

Critical thinking becomes a kind of North Star — a guide for navigating complexity with clarity and compassion.

What Will I Learn?

This course will help you to:

• Understand how to communicate the benefits of yoga accurately and clearly
• Develop confidence discussing research and evidence without overstating claims
• Learn communication skills that allow you to acknowledge uncertainty without losing credibility
• Build professionalism and trust with students and in wider teaching contexts
• Gain practical tools for evaluating information and applying critical thinking in everyday life 

Course Structure

Part 1: Why Critical Thinking Matters (with Andrew) Explore why critical thinking is essential in modern yoga teaching and how it supports integrity, professionalism, and student trust.

Part 2: Introduction to Research Methodology: Understanding evidence (with Kristen) Learn the foundations of research literacy and how to better understand the strengths and limitations of evidence.

Part 3: The Role of Communication: How to talk about benefits accurately (with Andrew) Develop practical communication skills for discussing yoga benefits clearly, responsibly, and confidently.

Part 4: Practical Pillars of Critical Thinking: A framework for everyday use (with Kristen) A practical framework for applying critical thinking in real teaching situations, helping you navigate claims, conversations, and uncertainty with confidence.

Replay

The workshop will be recorded and replay access offered to all students for 3 months after the live event.

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.