Survey Says!
In May, Three Queens Yoga formed a collaborated with behavioral psychologist Judi Komiki and doctoral candidate Lindsay Ouellette. This collaboration was designed to delve into the vital topics of teaching safety and enhancing student wellbeing within the premises of Three Queens Yoga. This research and positive approach to change is groundbreaking. Rarely have yoga studios formally requested teaching feedback or how students receive the teaching in an intentional way. Often times, meaningful conversations about safety, consent, and wellbeing occur after trust has been breeched. Our hope in this study was to honor teaching best practices, empower more open dialogue, and hold space for our students. You can read more about why these conversations are so valuable in Mariel’s latest bog.
The study's goal was to collect data from students, assess areas of improvement with teachers, and see how positive reinforcement affects change in teaching and studio best practices over six months. Temple University approved the survey questions and methodology to ensure best practices. It was important that teachers and participants feel free of bias, so the feedback received was anonymous, and individual teacher feedback was withheld from Mariel and me.
Of the study, Lindsay said, “The idea was that by facilitating conversation between you and your students would empower your students. Seeing how your students viewed you would result in your seeking to improve your teaching and student wellbeing. But . . . after 8 weeks of collecting baseline data, we found it wasn’t necessary to move forward with the feedback. The reason for this is very good news for you!”
After eight weeks, the baseline data showed that our teachers' overall safety in teaching was 92%, and of those surveyed, close to 98% percent reported a sense of wellbeing from our teachers.
What our students had to say:
My first class with Stacia was awesome. Looking forward to more.
Stacia reinvigorates my practice every time I take her class. She’s INCREDIBLE.
Anisha is the greatest yoga instructor I've ever practiced with. Her humor, knowledge, humility, and clear instructions make the classes so great. Always look forward to practicing with her.
Anisha is a phenomenal teacher who has been consistently practicing asking for consent during classes since I’ve been learning from her for the past 7 years.
Leigh is a very thoughtful instructor who does an excellent job incorporating a theme or concept throughout the class.
Mariel has a vulnerable confidence that is comforting and inspiring. This is very congruent with my personal values which is why I truly enjoy and feel comfortable at three queens.
Mariel is my absolute favorite teacher. Her sequencing and prompts are always helpful and she always provides a variety of options for expressing each pose. I could write an essay about how much I love her classes!!!
It's empowering to see a woman Trina's age as an instructor. Her skill, wisdom, and energy are a great asset to the community.
Aniqa did awesome in introducing herself 1:1 with members of the class and asking for their preferences and consent with physical adjustments or not; she then reiterated asking for consent/touch when applicable or when going up to individuals in the class.
Alex's classes are incredibly informative and insightful without being super heavy on the jargon. She fosters a welcoming environment by speaking to students of all ages and abilities.
Alex was great! Appreciated the hands on approach and detailed/mindful guidance.
We would like to express our deepest appreciation and thanks to everyone who took part in the daily surveys. Our teachers deserve special recognition for their participation in being open to this invaluable feedback. It is important to note that this conversation about consent is an ever-evolving process, and we are eagerly looking forward to sharing more updates in the near future.
