Thoughts on praising students / using names during class?

This is Ashtanga Yoga Tech Support. Real questions from the yoga community, answered.

The Question

Hey everyone, I’m curious to hear your opinions on teachers praising students and calling out people by name during a yoga class. Lately I’ve started to feel like this is something that works best when it’s used in a really balanced way -not throughout the entire class. I came to this conclusion after attending a class with a popular teacher in my area who regularly calls people out and praises all throughout her class. While I can see how it builds connection and makes people feel seen, I noticed that during the practice I actually stopped being present in my body and started seeking that validation instead. It created a kind of mental noise for me rather than helping me drop in or feel good. It made me reflect on my own teaching, because this was something I was originally encouraged to do to build rapport and connection. Now I’m questioning whether it always serves the students in the way we intend. Just something I’ve been thinking about and interested to hear thoughts and opinions! I know everyone has been trained differently so maybe this is not something you do at all!

— via r/yogateachers

Our Response

Yeah. You noticed the problem.

Praise is a drug. You give it once, students want it again. They start performing for you instead of practicing.

The practice is supposed to make you self-referential. That's the whole point. You're looking in. Not out.

When a teacher's constantly calling names and giving validation, they're training you to look out. To check if you're being watched. To wonder why she praised them and not you.

That's not yoga. That's a feedback loop.

I'll use a name maybe once or twice in ninety minutes. Usually for something specific. A real adjustment moment. Not cheerleading.

The quieter I am, the deeper they go.

Your instinct is right. Dial it way back. Let silence do the work. If students need constant validation to stay in the room, that's actually information. They're not practicing yet. They're auditioning.

Your job isn't to make them feel seen. It's to teach them how to see themselves.