Thread: Teaching

I was reading another thread and i had this thought that I will share.
When you teach a new quillter or explain a procedure, do you assume that quilter has some level of knowledge?
Let me tell you a story about an experience in the business world that I apply to the quilting world (it can apply to all walks of life.) I went to work as an underwriters trainee at a large insurance company and was a novice. My boss (teacher) tried to teachh me the basics like I was in "high school", but I really was only in kindergarten. Almost all she was trying to teach me was way over my head. It was very frustrating, to say the least. I learned the required knowledge and became very proficient in my field, (no thanks to my boss) but the whole process was so painful and no fun.
So when I teach, I get down to the student's level and teach from there. I am more apt to be very explicit, and not assume the student is familiar with the subject. Take pressing vs ironing. It is amazing the number of students that do not know the difference. Or the difference of straight of grain vs on the bias. That being said, I will tell the student to stop me if they already know the subject. If they say they already know, I'll ask them to explain it to me, so I know that they know.
I try not to talk down to the student, and I use a lot of self deprecating humorous, so they don't feel stupid or inferior.
So I ask again: When teaching or explaining a procedure, how do you effectively do that?

You know what happens when you ASS-U-ME!

Though there is a fine line between going to the bottom level of basics and starting above.
Going too low can be insulting to the student and create a block in the learning path.

A good teacher is able to source out the abilities and level without insult, injury and intimidation.

Originally Posted by QuiltE

You know what happens when you ASS-U-ME!

Though there is a fine line between going to the bottom level of basics and starting above.
Going too low can be insulting to the student and create a block in the learning path.

A good teacher is able to source out the abilities and level without insult, injury and intimidation.

I agree whole heartedly.

Originally Posted by gollytwo

I just begin by talking about quilting and check in along the way that she understands.

Thanks for your input, gollytwo. A good way to see what their level of understanding is.

Nanacsews2, I agree with the 'dumbing down' statement, too. It is downright insulting.

Originally Posted by Tashana

My pottery teacher asked everybody to introduce themselves and say what kind of experience with pottery they had. She gave us novices more attention while letting the more experienced students practice more complex forms. While novices were working on the basics she would consult with more experienced students. She was a great teacher. I learned something new every time even in my last class when I was confident to call myself an experienced potter.

And I'll bet you retained a lot of what you learned because of her style & patience.