Teaching a Class
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,666
Teaching a Class
I haven't yet -
But it is only recently that I have become aware of how much time the teacher spends in direct preparation - and - how much time it took to accumulate whatever knowledge needed to teach a particular class.
So - if I'm paying for an 8-hour class - I'm also paying for a lot of unseen time that the teacher spent outside the classroom before he/she even sets foot in the classroom.
But it is only recently that I have become aware of how much time the teacher spends in direct preparation - and - how much time it took to accumulate whatever knowledge needed to teach a particular class.
So - if I'm paying for an 8-hour class - I'm also paying for a lot of unseen time that the teacher spent outside the classroom before he/she even sets foot in the classroom.
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 2,362
I spent five years in university to become a teacher but my greatest joy is in teaching workshops. It's true, there are many hours spent ahead of time making a sample, figuring out the technique tips, and collecting supplies. To me, those hours are also where much of the fun lies. There is also a lot of fun in shopping for the workshop.
#3
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,511
I hold workshops and classes for my guild a lot. It does take a lot of time to get everything ready, anticipate all the questions and have all the step outs prepared. I do it for free because if any complaints, they can't complain. LOL
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 5,973
So true. At my Bee, we take turns demonstrating a technique or block. I like to work with samples and not sew in front of everyone showing steps as it goes along. It makes such a difference. Patience is required.
#5
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Tavistock, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 1,071
I'm a 4-H volunteer who leads quilting and sewing clubs. I can spend (and often have) a whole day preparing for a 2 hour meeting with the kids, prepping supplies, writing and printing instructions (with pictures), briefing the other volunteers. Then spend another hour or two rehashing and summarizing what was just taught so the kids can finish up...
Most workshop and class instructors are worth every dime you pay to take the course.
Most workshop and class instructors are worth every dime you pay to take the course.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Delaware
Posts: 1,045
I teaching quilting classes at quilt shop and while it does take more time than most would think to pull all the parts together. What frustrates me most is those who come to class late and/or they do not bring the supplies listed. Sometimes the supply it takes longer, to make sure they will have everything they need, than it does to make the original sample. I’ve even had a few tell me “that wasn’t on the list”. Only to respond with “oh” when shown that indeed is was there. And with all that, I love when you see that light and smile that is on their face when they either get it or when they finish a project they thought they couldn’t accomplish.
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Dakotas
Posts: 3,030
I teaching quilting classes at quilt shop and while it does take more time than most would think to pull all the parts together. What frustrates me most is those who come to class late and/or they do not bring the supplies listed. Sometimes the supply it takes longer, to make sure they will have everything they need, than it does to make the original sample. I’ve even had a few tell me “that wasn’t on the list”. Only to respond with “oh” when shown that indeed is was there. And with all that, I love when you see that light and smile that is on their face when they either get it or when they finish a project they thought they couldn’t accomplish.
#8
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,511
With a late arrival I expect the instructor to say I'll catch you up when there is a break. It's not fair to the ones that paid and got there on time to wait for the late person to get caught up. There are legit reasons for being late but none really matter to the others in the room and to expect it would is truly self centered. There are quiet a few well known instructors I have taken classes from before that I won't again due to catering to the one class member who can't seem to do anything and need hand holding at every step. The classes were not beginner classes.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,781
With a late arrival I expect the instructor to say I'll catch you up when there is a break. It's not fair to the ones that paid and got there on time to wait for the late person to get caught up. There are legit reasons for being late but none really matter to the others in the room and to expect it would is truly self centered. There are quiet a few well known instructors I have taken classes from before that I won't again due to catering to the one class member who can't seem to do anything and need hand holding at every step. The classes were not beginner classes.
#10
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,666
If I were an instructor, the following things would really annoy me - (they do as a fellow classmate!)
1) being late - and being obnoxious/noticeable/noisy about it - for no good reason -
2) not listening and prattling on and on about something non-relevant
3) thinking his/her way is better - maybe so - but shut up until the class is over!
4) not bringing supplies on the list - the other students may not be thrilled about sharing
5) over-estimating one's ability
6) if class is "too simple" - just hush - might learn something new, anyway
7) sewing machine not capable of doing what is needed for class
8) Being impatient and not waiting until the next step is presented before asking questions
1) being late - and being obnoxious/noticeable/noisy about it - for no good reason -
2) not listening and prattling on and on about something non-relevant
3) thinking his/her way is better - maybe so - but shut up until the class is over!
4) not bringing supplies on the list - the other students may not be thrilled about sharing
5) over-estimating one's ability
6) if class is "too simple" - just hush - might learn something new, anyway
7) sewing machine not capable of doing what is needed for class
8) Being impatient and not waiting until the next step is presented before asking questions