Marcia Selsor on sun 30 may 99
I had to give out a six page instruction sheet and kiln firing agreement
and statement of understanding form to cover my liability butt after two
non-trad students dismantled a corroded saftey ignition system and tried
to light the kiln.Of course the cellenoid wouldn't open the gas line. I
always give a tour with abbreviated explanations of the kilns on the
first day of class.Then go into detail as we start using each kiln. I
try to get the students to be the responsible party for firing their own
work (fat chance of that) I don't have help, or grad students. We had 56
clay students this past semester.
Our students have one -two part time jobs and don't seem to have the
time to fire kilns, mix glazes for their test tile experiments, or even
to do the assignments. I have students taking two classes at the same
time and blow off coming to slide lectures on the history of ceramics
because they say they've seen it. (if I ever got the same bunch of
slides in a tray it would be a miracle, I have thousands in my own collection)
This is a two way street.
I have some AARRRRGGGGGGG s myself. I am so looking forward to my class
in Spain where EVERYONE in the class is interested in Clay. Got most of
the student/participants off Clayart.
Marci in Montana
Professor of Ceramics
Montana State University-Billings
(will be signing off manana to go to Spain for 4 weeks!)
Andrew Buck wrote:
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> AAARRRRRG This is my pet beef with the education system at some
> institutions of higher learning here in the US of A. They do not teach
> what people need to know to actually do much of anything out in the real
> world. I hope art or education are not your major and that ceramics is
> not your highest interest. Look at the bright side though, at least you
> know what it is that you need to learn and, one thing the universities are
> good at teaching is, how to find information for your self. You did find
> Clayart and that is a step in the right direction.
>
> Andy Buck
> Raincreek Pottery
> Port Orchard, Washington
>
> On Fri, 28 May 1999, Juliet Johnston wrote:
>
> > ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> > I have reentered the university and have just finshed my fifth ceramics
> > class. We do not use a book. I have not been told anything about the
> > properties or make up of clay. I don't know why you would use one kind
> > or another, i have never made any. I know nothing about glazes, have
> > never made any. I have never been given any kiln information. I can"t
> > throw.I have only one more ceramics class to take. How did you learn all
> > that you know? Trying, Juliet
> >
--
Marcia Selsor
selsor@imt.net
http://www.imt.net/~mjbmls
http://www.imt.net/~mjbmls/spain99.html
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