Britt Boden on sat 21 sep 02
Hello Claypeople:
Its great to be on the list again, its an even flow of inspiration and fun.
I want to bring up the object of having adult clay classes. I been teaching
kids for some time and never have any problem to get them into the spirit of
clay. Kids don't ask they dive.
The last STUDIO POTTER had several potters talking about
their kids classes and what they do in the class. One potter talked about
one technique she used, were the one of having the students making "blind
pots." Something I tried in one of my kids classes this summer, I gave them
each a clayball and had them keeping their hands under the table while
pinching it after I had placed some peppers at the tables for them to look
at while pinching their own versions for 3-5 min. And guess what THEY LOVED
IT! The claypeppers were so free in its forms. After that we did it again but
now by using the eyes. And the result? Not that good, the kids talked about
this experience for a long time.
I am going to try this on my next adult class, but I also would like to
hear from you how you get those energies going. My experience is that
they can't even think about what to do them self, they think the teacher is
there to give them all the projects. I do give suggestions and show different
handbuilding techniques. But I want them to fly by them selfs. What can I do?
I am tankful for any suggestion. I really want my classes to be the best they
can be, how can I be a better teacher?
Best, Britt
mel jacobson on wed 4 jan 06
i seem to think that teaching clay is all the same, for all ages.
skill, understanding of materials, then art/design.
i always tell new students, no matter what their age,
`if you do not want to change your life, i would suggest
you leave this class. clay and making things with skill
will always change you, forever.`
you want students to `catch` clay.
like getting a cold...you `catch it`.
for some the process is very fast..quick...like shooting stars
often they fall as fast.
the slow, feeling, understanding sort of `catch` is what i am
looking for in a student.
each person has a level of understanding...those with hand/eye
natural talent will always proceed with skill. those that
learn with verbal or written skill will have to find their way
in different methods...it is up the teacher to help them.
often a very thorough diagram, a physics presentation will help.
or story telling with visual clues will get them going.
hands on from the teacher is critical with all styles of learning.
when people fade out, come late it is essential to talk to them
alone. let them know you want them to be a part, but it is up
to them to participate. some times they just don't like clay.
then help them to gracefully leave the class.
i find that humans have touch sensation that is very personal.
i could not work with steel every day. it does not feel good.
my order is:
clay
wood
metal
i can work with them all, but the feel of clay is what makes it happen.
wood is very close second.
teaching clay is about letting it `happen` with people. lots of `let them
do it` over and over. always talk about the steps up...sometimes a
person stays on one step for weeks...then all of a sudden they run
up about 5 in a day. i always have struggling new people help each
other...work in teams and teach the system, to each other...teaching
makes the steps come in order. you often learn more about clay as
you teach it. same for new folks.
so.
just some thoughts.
mel
from mel/minnetonka.mn.usa
website: http://my.pclink.com/~melpots3
| |
|
