Teaching the teachers

No matter which craft you practise, sooner or later, you may have somebody interested in learning from you. Some take to teaching like a duck to water, others find it difficult to impart the knowledge and skill they have. This one-day course is intended as a brief foundation and introduction to some teaching principles, covering both theoretical and practical aspects. Whether you want to teach one-to-one, or need the confidence to approach a school about after-school clubs, or anything in-between, w can cover it on the day. Some topics covered include:

-          + Group vs. one-to-one teaching

-         +  Different learning and teaching styles, and how to plan for varying learner preference

-         +  Differentiated lesson planning and grading of difficulty

-          + Theories behind 'scaffolding' the learner

-         +  Inquiry-based learning as a way to work with student ideas and expectations

The morning of the session will be classroom style, including a number of handouts and work sheets that can be taken away and adapted for personal use. There will be mention of 'educational theory' and some key figures in the field, but I promise it won't be scary, and it will be applied to the craft context!  Due to the small numbers on each course (up to five students), the format will be informal, with plenty of time for discussion and short tasks.

The afternoon will be more practical, and each participant will have the chance to engage in a short (15-20-minute) peer-teaching session, followed by feedback and discussion. For those who are unsure about their teaching skills, this is a prime opportunity to get thoughtful input and fine-tune the way you teach.

I have worked in education for 12 years, including as a teacher, trainer, lecturer, teacher-trainer, and facilitator. The 'teaching the teachers' class is suitable for all arts and crafts, not just lampworkers. For the peer teaching session, you can assume that there will be a well-equipped lampworking studio to draw upon, for other crafts or any special requests, please provide your own materials or contact me to enquire what is available.

Cost: £80/person (lunch not included - please bring your own, or there is a pub across the road that serves excellent food)

Time: 10am-4pm

Participants: 5 Max.

Dates 2011: 

Saturday 12^th March (5 spaces available)

Tuesday 17^th of May (3 spaces available)

Thursday 11^th August (5 spaces available)

Saturday 8^th October (5 spaces available)

If you are interested in participating, please email me at mail@littlecastledesigns.co.uk. A £30 deposit is required at time of booking, with the full balance due no later than two weeks before he course date. If you are part of a group and would like me to come to you, I'm happy to do so - please contact me for rates and details.