Yes, definitely. Words are seriously magic. I remember just the other
day I figured out that using the word "hinge" would dramatically fix an
annoying inability I had in conveying a particular process to
participants (I can't remember which process, just the word >_<!).

Something else I do is demonstrate along with the words, usually by
pointing as I describe. At every workstand and throughout the shop we
have a tool we call a pokey spoke (literally just a shortened, sharpened
stainless spoke) that we use for a wide variety of pokey-oriented
things, not the least of which is pointing to parts with extreme
specificity. Pointing out the set limit screws, for instance, or the
lock ring on the adjustable cup as distinct from the cup itself. It's
easy to forget how baffling and disorienting these shapes and parts are
for those not trained in what to look for. The spoke is superior to a
finger because fingers are way fatter than a lot of the things that need
pointing at.

I've trained myself to hunt for the right words at all times. I'd rather
pause in a description than blurt out generalities and hope for the
best. Typically I'll load someone up with a precise description coupled
with pointing and usually also some articulation of the components in
question, then leave the participant on autopilot (self-pilot!) while I
move to the next person. More often than not, they've made various kinds
of progress by the time I check back in with them. Any mistakes they've
made are useful in further framing of the issue.

But yes, words are just as much a challenge as any mechanical system.

cyclista Nicholas


On 2018-12-05 21:35, Ron Kellis wrote:
> I'll preface this by stating that I often find vocabulary a challenge.
> Is
> this a problem to others when doing hands off teaching and if so, how
> do
> you work through it? Can you stick to the principle when 4 others are
> waiting for help?
>
> Ron
>
> On Tue, Nov 27, 2018 at 10:48 AM Ainsley Naylor
> <needleandthread@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Hey all,
>>
>> I lead (past tense and present tense!) the Hands Off Teaching
>> workshops at
>> Bike!Bike!
>>
>> Someone always asks me for my workshop notes and they are not super
>> coherent unless you are me, so I'm reluctant to post them here, but
>> will
>> happily email them if anyone wants to check them out.
>>
>> *In regards to the Fruit Activity, here's the deal:*
>>
>> This activity was originally done with mangoes and knives at
>> Bike!Bike!
>> 2010! but I can't always find mangoes, and this year I couldn't travel
>> with
>> a dozen steak knives in my bag ;) In the past we have also used
>> apples,
>> oranges and bananas.
>> The purpose of the activity is to have folks split up and attempt to
>> engage in Hands Off Teaching where one participant is instructing and
>> the
>> other participant is trying to complete an action (peeling/slicing a
>> fruit)
>> only by following the directions they have been given. An added
>> instruction
>> is that they person with the fruit doesn't know what it is and hasn't
>> interacted with it before (like a front derailleur, haha).
>>
>> Because there are so many people in the workshop we usually have other
>> folks observing each group as well.
>>
>> *What are the goals?*
>> To reflect upon the concepts and challenges of teaching in a DIY space
>> which we have already discussed during the workshop which include:
>> keeping Hands Off while assisting and instructing
>> Clear, understandable instruction including describing tasks and
>> possible
>> outcomes
>> Collaborative teamwork including asking questions (from both sides)
>> and
>> positive feedback
>> successful completion of goal, through whatever path you collectively
>> determine to be achievable
>>
>> After giving folks 5-10 minutes to do the activity we come back
>> together
>> to share feedback on the experience. The *pretend you've never seen a
>> banana before* part is always the most difficult and funniest part of
>> the
>> challenge.
>>
>> Hope that helps!
>> ainsley.
>>
>> On Tue, Nov 27, 2018 at 7:41 AM <wormsign@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> +1
>>>
>>> Loconte
>>>
>>> On Nov 26, 2018, at 15:35, Sunny Nestler <programs@bikecoop.ca>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hey everyone,
>>>
>>> Can someone explain to me how you facilitated the peeling a banana
>>> segment of the "Hands Off Wrenching" workshop at the LA Bike!Bike! ?
>>> I
>>> didn't go to that workshop but it sounded really cool, and someone
>>> from my
>>> shop went and was describing it to me. I think I wanna use it in a
>>> workshop
>>> I'm leading but I want more info! Also thinking of incorporating a
>>> banana
>>> split follow up activity, because those are delicious!
>>>
>>> 🍌🍌🍌
>>> sunny
>>>
>>> *Sunny Nestler*, *Programs Manager*
>>> AMS Bike Co-op
>>> University of British Columbia
>>> 604-822-2453 | bikecoop.ca | @ubcbike
>>>
>>> ____________________________________
>>>
>>> The ThinkTank mailing List
>>>
>>> Unsubscribe from this list here:
>>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.org
>>>
>>> ____________________________________
>>>
>>> The ThinkTank mailing List
>>>
>>> Unsubscribe from this list here:
>>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.org
>>>
>>> ____________________________________
>>
>> The ThinkTank mailing List
>>
>> Unsubscribe from this list here:
>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.org
>>
>>
>
> ____________________________________
>
> The ThinkTank mailing List
>
> Unsubscribe from this list here:
> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/options.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.org