I had the opportunity to be a teacher this week with seven students at Creative U in Cave Creek. I sometimes go "on the road" to teach a class. It gets me out and about in the community. I can renew my friendships and find out what is happening in their neck of the woods. Handouts were not given out at this class, mostly because I felt that it was more about the creativity; we were making a riveted cuff bracelet that required cold connecting three components with three rivets. Simple enough?
The weekend before that, I taught at MADE Art Boutique in Phoenix, the crocheted earring class. I didn't have any handouts for that class either because the process of crocheting with wire gave a lot of room for play as they crocheted. Simple enough?
In both instances, I received some "suggestions", or "advice", that I should have had a set of instructions for the class. Hmmm. Interesting.
I also participated in a workshop held by Kate McKinnon in my studio this past weekend. I was the hostess but more important, a student, learning along side e
ight others; all of whom are my long time friends, my previous students, and accomplished artists every one of them. Kate didn't pass out instructions either. Nor, did anyone expect them. Some jotted down a few points, some took copious notes, and some just watched the demonstrations.
Kate McKinnon Workshop
Which got me to wondering which was the better way? To give handouts or not to give handouts? I do not have instructions for every class that I teach, which is mostly Precious Metal Clay classes. I give handouts on specific information like firing schedules, firing with gemstones, and other pieces of information. I believe that I actually only have one set of instructions and that is the crocheted bracelet class because it has set steps that need to be taken in order to get to the next step.
So how do I really feel? I don't think I'm that into "instructions". I want the student to be creative with their own work. And, I also think when the student feels the need to remember something that she will write things down. Isn't it better for them to write it themselves so they will be able to reference back to it in their own hand, in their own words, in their own mind's eye?
So now what. Perhaps other people's opinions may be helpful here. Which I welcome. From the student? From the teacher? Anyone.
By the way, I'd like to thank Creative U, and MADE Art Boutique for allowing me to teach in their place, with or without instructions. And, Kate for coming to teach us at my studio, with or without...
The weekend before that, I taught at MADE Art Boutique in Phoenix, the crocheted earring class. I didn't have any handouts for that class either because the process of crocheting with wire gave a lot of room for play as they crocheted. Simple enough?
In both instances, I received some "suggestions", or "advice", that I should have had a set of instructions for the class. Hmmm. Interesting.
I also participated in a workshop held by Kate McKinnon in my studio this past weekend. I was the hostess but more important, a student, learning along side e
ight others; all of whom are my long time friends, my previous students, and accomplished artists every one of them. Kate didn't pass out instructions either. Nor, did anyone expect them. Some jotted down a few points, some took copious notes, and some just watched the demonstrations.Kate McKinnon Workshop
Which got me to wondering which was the better way? To give handouts or not to give handouts? I do not have instructions for every class that I teach, which is mostly Precious Metal Clay classes. I give handouts on specific information like firing schedules, firing with gemstones, and other pieces of information. I believe that I actually only have one set of instructions and that is the crocheted bracelet class because it has set steps that need to be taken in order to get to the next step.
So how do I really feel? I don't think I'm that into "instructions". I want the student to be creative with their own work. And, I also think when the student feels the need to remember something that she will write things down. Isn't it better for them to write it themselves so they will be able to reference back to it in their own hand, in their own words, in their own mind's eye?
So now what. Perhaps other people's opinions may be helpful here. Which I welcome. From the student? From the teacher? Anyone.
By the way, I'd like to thank Creative U, and MADE Art Boutique for allowing me to teach in their place, with or without instructions. And, Kate for coming to teach us at my studio, with or without...
Hi there Kathy,
ReplyDeleteWeighing in on the 'class hand-outs' thing - I think each class is different and you have to take that into account. Howerver, I'm all for some kind of hand out. Even if it's just info on, like you said, kiln firing, etc. and the reason for this is because if I don't get the chance to do the project again soon after I learn it - I could forget steps, or temperature settings/times, techniques, helpful tips, etc.
Hopefully we do write things down during classes, but I've been to several classes where nothing was ever written and I wished I would have had something - anything besides my own feeble attempt at notes - to fall back on and re-try what I had paid good money to learn. Personally I think it's just good customer service, very professional and shows your students you care enough to send them home armed with the information they came to you to learn.
However, I've taking classes from you and found you give very good instructions and teach at a pace where you make it easy for students to write things down, take notes and remember - so maybe you could be an exception to the rule!! :)
Cheers,
Shel
Thanks Shel,
ReplyDeleteI will take your advice and make every effort to have a handout. It's always good to hear another viewpoint. I like that!