It is great to hear how things are going and the consequences of the suggestions. Thanks for writing, very helpful.
Mmmm... I hadn't thought about the young male teacher telling a 15 year old to do physical maneuvres could be a little risky! Its still probably worth getting the to do simple ones like figure of 8s with the wrists and the mountain pose and a few of the ones that isolate shoulders and arm muscles. If you can't teach it in the lesson, do you have any print outs of exercises they could do in their own privacy? They really are worth learning, for RSI protection if nothing else.
Another thing I have been trying lately, and it seems to work - I've tried it myself and with 2 students so it is unproven theory, but maybe worth it anyway. What I do is hold one wrist very tight with the other, just on the edge of the hand so precisely on the wrist. I try to immobilise my wrist (get the student to do it on theirs) and then do trills and other isolating finger movements in a cupped hand position - as if ready to play. I find this helps in isolating the finger muscles, so I can get to feel what it is like when they work alone, and in making myself aware of when my wrist is tensing (I can feel it in the arm that is being held as well as in the hand resisting the movement). A few times this has totally and instantly changed the method of playing and sound production. It has certainly increassed awareness of finger/hand/arm tensions. It has needed to be repeated when resting - so not when practicing.
I did find with one girl, although it seemed to work for her, she started complaining of her wrists making cracking noises and feelings. I am not sure if she put pressure in the wrong place or perhaps her muscles weren't able to manage the level of tension she put on it. I would be careful that the approach was managed gently or not too zealously, if you try it.
I am glad to hear the finger tapping has helped. One of my students - she transferred 3 months ago - has been using it. She constantly holds tension and doesn't release after playing a key. She started using this and her playing the last few weeks has changed dramatically. She really tries hard - it is so pleasing to see her starting to do something more easily. It is quite exciting.
I'd love to hear more updates about how you go with your students.
