Massage Educators

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The purpose of this group is to invite massage educators to network and dialogue regarding issues related to massage therapy education.
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Dealing with the "talkative" student

by Melissa DeFrancesco

Mar 11, 2010

We have several students who are unruley talkers during clinic time. When they are the "therapist" they let it all out. We have tried to address this in class and stress that a massage is supposed to be the client's session not theirs, but at this point it hasn't stopped them. Any pointers?
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  • up

    William Snyder

    I am the director of a school, we always bring it back to "is what you are doing employable?". Treat them as though they were your employees, what would you do as a spa manager? How would you handle it if your client came to you and complained about a talkative therapist? This also goes back to classroom management, if your instructor cannot control the class, then they are not a good fit for your program.

    Mar 25, 2010

  • up

    Jason Erickson

    Great story! Here's another:

    One of my massage instructors was one of the nicest, sweetest, most positive people I've ever met. Three of my classmates were young ladies that always sat together in the back of the room. One day in class this instructor had to interrupt their chatting several times. After the third time, she raised her voice and said, "If you don't stop talking right now, I'll CUT YOUR FACE OFF!"

    The room went dead silent, especially the girls to whom she was speaking. Realizing what she'd said, the instructor was mortified, and immediately apologized to everyone. The moment passed, and class resumed.

    But the three girls remained silent in her classes for quite a while. ;)

    Jenny Ray said:
    This is a serious topic...nothing worse than non-professional actions..and this is the worst...you might suggest they drop out of massage and become a bar tender..(sorry bar tenders!) the younger ones seem to be the worst i am embarrassed at how I have to discipline them in my classes...I teach only Geothermal Therapy (stones) ....one day it got so bad with one young lady that repeated reminders and sharp comments failed too many times...so I handed her a nice little stone and asked her to put it in her mouth to stimulate her pallet...she was quite impressed with this idea and popped it in her mouth...then I said loudly enough the whole class heard..WHEN IT MELTS YOU CAN TALK AGAIN... where do these kids come from?...I am usually a gentle and professional instructor, but have run out of tolerance for rude and ignorant behavior.

    Sep 8, 2010

  • up

    Jason Erickson

    Great comment! I will use this!

    William Snyder said:
    I am the director of a school, we always bring it back to "is what you are doing employable?". Treat them as though they were your employees, what would you do as a spa manager? How would you handle it if your client came to you and complained about a talkative therapist? This also goes back to classroom management, if your instructor cannot control the class, then they are not a good fit for your program.

    Sep 8, 2010