Teacher Training and Study Courses 2010 - 2011

International Yoga Teachers’ Association (N.Z.) Inc.

Course Outlines:

 Description

In these courses, students learn about, in and through yoga. The Eight Limbs as outlined by Patanjali in The Yoga Sutras provide the framework for the courses. Further study of traditional and current research and practice is also included in the content strands to enhance personal and professional knowledge and understanding. Students research, practise and reflect on their experiences throughout the courses. They are encouraged to make links and connections between all aspects of the courses.

                                                      Course Content

Philosophy and History: Key aspects of the historical context of yoga, its pathways and philosophy, as exemplified in the Bhagavad Gita and The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, are explored. These provide a context and structure for each student’s personal and professional journey.

Relaxation: Yoga teaches the importance of physical, mental and emotional balance in our busy lives by exploring a variety of relaxation methods, including yoga nidra.

Sanskrit & Sound: Sanskrit is the classical language of yoga. In order to enhance the appreciation of Sanskrit, opportunities are provided to explore it through the compilation of personal dictionaries and by practising pronunciation of concepts and terms. An appreciation of the power of sound is explored through study of the theory and practice of Mantra.

Diet and Nutrition: Knowledge of a healthy diet is gained by studying and exploring basic nutrition principles and different types of diets including vegetarian, vegan, food combining and fasting. A brief introduction to Ayurveda (an Indian approach to medicine) is included.

Anatomy and Physiology: Knowledge of the key aspects of the body’s systems and processes gives an understanding of our own physical responses. For those students who intend to teach, knowledge of anatomy and physiology increases awareness of the physical state of their students, and informs safe practice.

The Eight Limbs of Yoga as described in Patanjali’s Sutras and explored in this course:

Yamas and Niyamas: Yamas are the restraints, which provide a basis for sound conduct in society. Niyamas lay down the foundation for character building. Research and reflection upon these is included in the course.

Asana: Asana is the Sanskrit word for postures. The practise of asana enhances physical and mental wellbeing in order to bring a new awareness of the self. Throughout the course, students are engaged in tasks, which involve asana practice and research, and links are made to anatomy and physiology information included in the course.

Note: Teaching Diploma course students are required to teach aspects of asana to their peers, and to give and receive feedback on this.

Pranayama: Pranayama is the science of the breath. It is the vital force connecting us to the Spirit. This course explores careful practise of rhythmic breathing patterns to strengthen the respiratory system and soothe the nervous system, thus preparing the mind for concentration and meditation.

Inner Disciplines: The final four limbs of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras relate to the inner disciplines of Pratyahara (sensory withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (the super-conscious state).  These limbs are explored through personal practice and reflection, close reading of classical texts, and workshop activities.

 Course Requirements

Initial requirements for enrolment in either the Teaching Diploma or the Study course:

·        Commitment to yogic lifestyle

·        The completion of the questionnaire on the student’s involvement with yoga in the enrolment form

·        Acceptance of the IYTA (NZ) Code of Ethics*

·        Acceptance of the requirements of the course (as set out below).

Note: Course numbers are limited to 36 and enrolments are accepted according to time of arrival of enrolment form and first instalment, but preference is given to existing members and those that have completed the IYTA (NZ) Introduction to Yoga mini course.

Association Membership

Up-to-date membership of IYTA (NZ) for the duration of the course.

Code of Ethics

It will be necessary for the student to accept the IYTA (NZ) Code of Ethics*.

*This will be sent out with the enrolment form.

Teaching Diploma Course Requirements 

By the completion of the course successful students will have:

• Presented and passed fifteen monthly assignments

One assignment per month, for 15 months (March 2010 to May 2011) due on the 28th of each month.

• Attended and participated in all four compulsory workshop weekends, for the stated and timetabled hours

Workshops will be held in Wellington (May 28-30, 2010 and June 10-12, 2011), Christchurch (September 17-19, 2010) and Auckland (February 25-27, 2011).

Sanskrit:  during the workshops, students are expected to present their Sanskrit to English Dictionary and English to Sanskrit Dictionary to their tutor.

• Completed tasks related to two additional curriculum strands:

Teaching

Teaching at workshops: Teaching Diploma Course students are required to attend and participate in sessions devoted to teaching yoga during workshop weekends. Students are involved in planning and teaching aspects of yoga to their peers, and in giving and receiving feedback on this.

Information about the practicalities of teaching yoga is included in the curriculum for students undertaking the Teaching Diploma Course, and monthly assignments might include tasks related to this.

Yoga teaching in the community:

Students are required to have taught a minimum of 60 hours of yoga in the community and must sign a declaration to this effect. This teaching period may run concurrently with the course. This must involve classes of at least two participants. 

When students have completed 60 hours of teaching they must plan and teach a yoga lesson in the community which is observed and assessed by an accredited IYTA (NZ) teacher, who is a current member of the Association or a member of a recognised yoga body (at the discretion of the course coordinators).

Students are encouraged to start teaching during the course and to keep a record of their hours.

• Research Paper

Completed a Research Paper of between 4000 and 8000 words, on an approved yogic subject. This paper is required to be presented by 20 September 2011. Before the submission of the Research Paper at least twelve assignments must be satisfactorily completed, and three workshops attended.  The Research Paper must show original research and must be of an acceptable academic standard.

Information about the research process is provided during the course. Students are mentored by tutors during workshops three and four in the development of their research topic and approach.

First Aid Certificate

To attain a Teaching Diploma, the student must have a current comprehensive Workplace First Aid Certificate (two day course).

Study Course Requirements

By the completion of the course successful students will have:

• Successfully presented and passed twelve monthly assignments

One assignment per month for 12 months (March 2010 to February 2011) due on the 28^th of each month.

• Attended and participated at the first three workshop weekends, for the stated and timetabled hours

 Three compulsory workshops to be held in Wellington (May 28-30, 2010), Christchurch (September 17-19, 2010) and Auckland (February 25-27, 2011).

Sanskrit:  during the workshops, students are expected to present their Sanskrit to English Dictionary and English to Sanskrit Dictionary to their tutor.

Course Delivery

Tutorial System - applies to both courses

Each student is allocated a personal tutor who oversees student work for the duration of the course. Although no examinations are given, high standards of work are expected.  Students will be asked to repeat work which the student’s tutor and the course coordinators consider is substandard. Please note that your tutor may not necessarily live near you.

Course Delivery Modes 2010-2011

There are two delivery options for students to choose from for their study. These are: paper based and on-line. The assignment tasks and requirements are identical for both options.

Paper Based/Postal Delivery

This is the traditional process for the delivery of both the Teaching Diploma and Study courses. The course material and information, including readings and assignment tasks, are provided three monthly (or monthly at the student’s request) through the post. Interaction with the tutor is carried out through individual assessment and related comments from the tutor. There is no automatic contact with other students undertaking the course, except at workshops. Each student is expected to complete their work independently.

This option suits independent learners who are accustomed to working alone. Students who are not accustomed to working on computers will find this option best meets their needs.

On-line Delivery                               

Students who elect to undertake on-line learning will become part of an on-line community which includes tutors and other on-line students. From the beginning of the course students will be able to access course assignment information for the complete course, allowing them to have an understanding ahead of time for each of the monthly assignment tasks and to gain an overview of the whole course and its assignments. This might allow them to be able to plan ahead if they choose. Students will also be able to contact their tutor on-line. The course material and information, including readings and assignment tasks, are provided three monthly, either on a disc or USB(although note some readings may need to be posted). Discussion forums will enable students to interact and share ideas and questions with other students learning on-line.

Students working on-line will access the papers off either the provided discs or USBs and may choose to either print them off or to read and work from them directly from the disks/USBs.

This option suits learners who enjoy direct interaction with other learners and the tutor. Students who find it challenging to motivate them to work entirely independently might choose this option. It demands some confidence in working on computers.

Course Assessment

Both the Teaching Diploma Course and the Study Course are non- graded, but all tasks must be presented to an acceptable tertiary standard. Each assignment task is given a pass, or a re-submit. If a tutor decides that an assignment task is not of a satisfactory standard, or if a task is not completed in accordance with the question, the student will be required to re-submit the task on or before the next assignment due date. A pass for the assignment will be granted upon successful re-submission of the assignment task. 

On successful completion of the Yoga Teaching Diploma Course, students are awarded a Teaching Diploma by the IYTA (NZ).

On successful completion of the Yoga Study Course, students are awarded a Study Certificate by the IYTA (NZ). 

Note: Study Course students who wish to complete the Teaching Diploma may apply to the coordinators to do so either during, or upon completion, of their course. The course coordinators will assess each application on a case by case basis. If the application is granted, the student has the option of completing the Diploma within the time frame of the next course (which is planned for 2012-2013, subject to change).  This might be awarded upon payment of extra fees and other requirements including (but not limited to) additional sections of workshops.

Aegrotat

If a workshop (or part of a workshop) is missed due to exceptional circumstances, such as serious illness/impairment or death of a close family member, a student must attend the corresponding workshop in the next course (2012-2013, subject to change). However, a student can elect instead to apply for an aegrotat pass. You will need to provide documentation of such serious illness/impairment (by a registered medical professional), death of a close family member (death certificate) or other exceptional circumstance, and your other work in the course must be of a sufficient academic standard.  If you are granted an aegrotat pass for a workshop (or part of a workshop), you must complete (to a satisfactory standard) an additional assignment on workshop material missed.

Course Costs

Required Texts (both courses)

On acceptance for the course a list of costs for textbooks and an order form will be sent to each student. Students will be required to buy the following textbooks at the first workshop, unless they already own the books (please notify this on your enrolment form):

Yoga, the Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness by Erich Schiffmann. New York: Pocket Books, 1996.

Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha by Swami Satyananda Saraswati. Bihar: Bihar School of Yoga. Third revised edition, 1996.

Bhagavad Gita translated by Juan Mascaro. Great Britain: Penguin Books, 1962.

Yoga, Discipline of Freedom by Barbara Stoler Miller. United States: Bantam, 1996 (or equivalent text if this is unavailable).

Relaxations - a Compilation by Judy Charlesworth.

Fees

Teaching Diploma Course:

$3000 (includes assignments and all four workshops –food, accommodation and tuition - but excludes text-books and travel to workshops).  $750 payable on enrolment. Balance to be paid in three instalments of $750 each on or before 01 June 2010, 01 September 2010 and 01 March 2011.

Yoga Study Course:

 $2250 (includes assignments and all workshops–food, accommodation and tuition - but excludes text-books and travel to workshops). $750 payable on enrolment.  Balance to be paid in two instalments of $750 each on or before 01 June 2010 and 01 September 2010.

Refunds:

Before course commences: 75% if before 31 January 2010; 50% if before 10 February 2010; no refunds after 10 February 2010. No refunds once the course commences.

Postage:

The postage costs of assignment tasks for assessment by the tutor are the responsibility of the student.

Please note travel expenses to workshops are the responsibility of each student.

Course Review

 This course will be reviewed during, and after completion of, the course by a committee made up of the tutors and course coordinators.

For further information and enrolment form contact:

Sue Wilson

P O Box 1171

NELSON 7040

Ph: 03 539-4888 or 029 2813 735

inbox@bodypower.co.nz