FAQ TAGteach

FROM: Liz Norris, Master Trainer
AKC-CGC Instructor and Therapy Evaluator
Pawsibilities Unleashed
Pet Therapy of Kentucky, Inc.

Here are some FAQ we get from people starting TAG training...

1. Tagging sounds like fun, but what about serious skill development?
2. Will the sound of the TAG get annoying after a while?
3. Can you TAG with a large group?
4. How long before the newness wears off and the TAG loses its impact?
5. Can the TAG be heard while music is playing or other groups of students are nearby?
6. How long should a TAG lesson last?
7. What happens if the athlete never does the action I want to TAG?
8. Will they get bored?

1. Tagging sounds like fun, but what about serious skill development?

It's all about serious skill development; from a gymnast safely landing a double back flip dismount off a 4 inch wide balance beam to a hearing impaired student correctly pronouncing a difficult word. TAGteach creates a direct line of communication, information and motivation that benefits both students and teacher.

2. Will the sound of the TAG get annoying after awhile?

After a few minutes, the sound of the TAG becomes a non-issue, part of the ambiance of the gym or classroom. Nothing is as disturbing as the sound of an aggravated coach or the sound of a child crying from frustration. The TAG is a sound that on introduction draws attention, but it is the sharpness of the sound that guides the focus of the student. It allows them to capture a finite slice of time, photograph it and have brilliant recall later. Actually, while being tagged, students are so incredibly focused on their skill, they react to the sound, but most don't remember actually hearing it.

3. Can you TAG with a large group?

Numbers are no problem. Drills are faster and more efficient because you and the students are focused on the same issue. Information is dispensed instantly via the TAG . You can tag a student and move on to the next student before an emotional verbal correction can be spoken let alone processed on the other end. You can tag everyone, even the "good" students who generally miss out on recognition because slower students take more of your attention. Another interesting by-product of tagging - those waiting in line tend to watch the student being tagged to see if she "gets her tag". They pay attention and are ready for their turn.

4. How long before the newness wears off and the TAG loses its impact?

Paired with creativity and occasionally revved up with additional motivation, the desire to be TAGGED only increases and its positive impact becomes more apparent.

The perfect tagging lesson ends with the student asking, "can we do a few more?

Students can TAG each other or even the teacher. The more you TAG, the more in tune the students become to its binary communication. The more you TAG, the less you nag and the faster students learn.

5. Can the TAG be heard while music is playing or other groups of students are nearby?

Because students are actually listening for and focused on the TAG, they always seem to hear it. TAGteach is being used successfully in large facilities with several hundred students moving about, soccer fields and even in a tap dancing class.

6. How long should a TAG lesson last?

You will find the positive feedback of tagging extends the focus time of almost all students, especially those with learning disabilities

Age and skill level usually determine the attention span of the students although you will find the positive feedback of tagging extends the focus time of almost all students, especially those with learning disabilities. Time constraints and the nature of an individual sport will play a part in regulating the number of TAG points you may train in a single lesson. The perfect tagging lesson ends with the student asking, "can we do a few more?"

7. What happens if the athlete never does the action I want to TAG?

Each TAG Point should be easily accomplished within two or three attempts. This prevents a frustrated coach and a disappointed student. If the athlete cannot quickly perform the desired element, ask for a TAG Point one step back in the progression. For example, if the athlete can’t hold the shoulder carriage up during the handstand, ask them to hold the position for five seconds while standing.

8. Will they get bored?

If the performance starts to become perfunctory, you have gone on too long or you need to change the reinforcement. Learn to read your students and move to a different activity, switch TAG Points, or adjust the reinforcement. Avoid the temptation for "just one more good one". Save it for next time.

Monday, March 01, 2010 7:24 PM

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MeBO Research