More than one way - - - -
 

We've heard - over and over - that there is usually more than one way to do many things.

And I agree.

But why get upset if an instructor only demonstrates one way of accomplishing something?

Most classes have time constraints on them.

Sometimes it's a challenge to just get one idea across - forget about variations on a theme.

I would think it would be easier to try to keep a group "on track" if most of the members are doing the same thing more-or-less the same way at the same time.

I read over and over about "poor teachers/instructors" - but the student/learner/tutee has to do his/her part, also, to make a class successful or a learning experience positive.

(I'm not an instructor - but I have had some obnoxious/disruptive/unprepared classmates now and then)

I agree. The class is for one method, the one the instructor wants to teach. I dread when a classmate will pop up with I know an easier way to do this same thing and of course has to tell or show it and that takes time from the class that I paid a lot of money to learn what the instructor knows. If you go to a class and know a different way to do something, be quiet! The instructor more then likely knows about it but it may not work with the whole piecing of her pattern.

Sometimes the "hard" way of learning something, is actually an "easy" way, to learn a more advanced skill.

i agree- you take the class to learn a technique- there are probably 20 different ways to do it- and after learning the technique being taught you can always go look for other ways to do it-
it only confuses the class when people are always trying to show a different way when an instructor is trying to show one way-i've been in a couple of those classes too- they are not any fun.

There seems to be at least one 'know it all' who has to speak up about doing something different. Like someone else said it's my money and I want to hear what the instructor has to say, not the students. Rubs me the wrong way every time.

I agree - if you are attending a class teaching a particular technique or pattern - you should listen to the instructor - you can always make improvements or shortcut on your own time - that being said -if you don't "mesh" with the instructor or the type of class - I would find another instructor or classroom - Although I have never taken a class - I have been self taught mainly by the multitude of videos on the internet and also all the bright and brilliant quilters on the quilting board.

Amen, amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been in classes where that has happened also. One class I was in, two of the ladies wanted to do it their own way and when it did not turn out right, actually blamed the instructor. It was not good!!

Having taught in the past, one needs to remember that there are different levels of skill with students.........and as it was said, there are time limitations..........I would teach 2-5 and 6-9 P.M.'s the hour off was for my lunch and organize for the new eager ladies well usually. I did enjoy it............calla

I have been in some of those classes too, and I agree that it's disruptive and disrespectful for a student to insist on doing something different. After all, you paid to attend the class to learn from the instructor, so why not keep an open mind and at least try her methods? If, after you get home, you decide to continue with your old methods, that's fine, but don't dismiss the new methods until you've tried them, and never during the class.

Oh I know!! But, what about that person whom you have never met, that keeps talking to you when you are trying to be attentive to the teacher. Oooo that just is the rub to end all rubs. Because I have gotten the ugly looks from the teacher for it! Who me?? It wasn't me, I was just sitting here minding my own business.

Or ... How about a student that keeps asking you to school her on something when you are trying to sew. There should be a set of rules on the walls.

I had that person sitting beside me, too. GRRRR

Thank you!! As an instructor, I DO thank you!
Yes, I do know about the other ways, but have chosen, for whatever reason, for THIS class, not to use/teach/demonstrate them. It does not make me dumb/poor/unskilled/or inexperienced, just selective/time-crunched/and assessing of the personality of the current class.
YOU would be a favorite pupil in my class! (Though I would hope the others never realized it:))

Jan in VA

As both a student and an instructor, I agree. It is not only disruptive but it also uses a lot of valuable class time.

This is why I don't take classes!

I am doing a BOM at the local quilt shop and I detest the part where the instructor reads the directions, explains it and the talkers ask her the same thing over and over.....And I am a big talker. I just know when to shut up.

I did join this club to step outside of my box. I have learned that I can't join in a group like this very often. It is WAY to stressful and I hate having someone tell me I HAVE to do it their way.

This topic has come up at a perfect time! I just finished the second session of a multi-part class (we'll meet four times) in which two students just don't want to follow instructions and they often offer suggestions (rather loudly) to the other students on ways to "piece this better and easier, and with no pins." As an instructor, I try to emphasize that there are different ways to achieve the same results, but this is what works for me and why. I have no problem with students wanting to do it "their way", but I remind them that all instructions, (cutting, piecing, pressing, etc.) are for my way, and that they may have to make adjustments in fabric requirements, etc.

When I prepare for a class, I often try the other techniques to familiarize myself with them and be prepared to explain why the way I do it works best for me. (Sometimes it's a grain issue, an accuracy thing, or just my preferred method.) I tell my students that I have tried various techniques and this is what works best for me on this particuar project, and ask that they at least TRY my way. If it doesn't work for them, fine. Change to whatever works for them, but again I remind them that they may need to make changes in the cutting, piecing and pressing.

Usually at this point if someone wants to follow their own path, they ask for help in figuring out the adjustments. To me, that is not fair to the other students so I tell them that I will help them as best I can during a break, at lunch or after class. Sometimes that results in upset students, but I try to suggest that they move to another section of the project until we have a chance to figure out what they need.

For the two "disruptive" students I mentioned above, I spoke with them after class and said that since there are a number of rather new quilters in the class, their suggestions have been a bit confusing to other students. I suggested that we meet before the next class and evaluate their method so I can better familiarize myself with what they are doing and see if I can work it into future classes. I suggested that perhaps their higher skill levels are the reason they are having succeess with their technique and that perhaps other students just "aren't there yet." They agreed and I have hope that will solve my problem. Was that diplomatic enough? :-)

My little peeves are: people who arrive late for class and don't even have their fabrics cut per the pre-class instructions; people who know it all; people who talk during the instructions; and there are others but some of the aforementioned "people" are the same people all rolled into one! I took an art quilt class from an instructor who is great and knows her stuff and has done extensive research. One of the "students" (and I use the term VERY loosely!) said "I am a graphic artist and that is not the way to do that process....!) The rest of us were very glad when that person did not come back for the other two of three classes! *****Sigh of relief*****

WOW - you should be with the United Nations. Very diplomatic and I hope they get "the picture"

I agree too....no sense in disruptive behavior. If you want to say a different way, do it on your own time or become an instructor~

"Or ... How about a student that keeps asking you to school her on something when you are trying to sew. There should be a set of rules on the walls."

I work with a pretty diverse group of folks (by which I mean that we are from a variety of countries and cultures) and in meetings for projects we DO put the rules up on the wall! Why not for quilting classes? The rules arepretty basic 'no sidebar conversations' 'no off topic discussions' 'never provide negative comments', pretty much the kindergarten stuff.
But itmakes sure that we are all coming from the same point of understanding. Something just as basic would work for class.

I agree with all that has been said. There is usually 1 show-off or know-it-all in the class, but they should just shut up and they might actually learn something new.

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:thumbup:

There are beginner classes and more advanced ones. some people tend to skip the beginner ones and most likely cause the delays mentioned due to not being able to keep up with all the other attendees.

I take a class because I want to learn a new way or different method. If a class member thinks she/he has a different way that is okay but keep it to yourself.

I took a class and some of the students had new machines and they had never even used them. Really used up time from the other students. The machines had been purchased at the shop where the classes were - so guess they thought they had to help them. I go to learn not to visit - but many want to visit.

As an instructor, I say that my way is not the only way, but the way I am comfortable with. As a student I dislike it when the person sitting next to me wants me to repeat everything the instructor says. That makes me miss the next point. Pay attention or ask the instructor. I tell my students to ask me if they have questions. Their neighbor may not know the answer or may answer them wrong. Don't feel like you are bothering me, that's what you are paying me for.

I believe the instructor knows what to do, or they would not be in that position.

I"ve taken workshops and will admit that I didn't always precut fabrics, but there was a reason that happened. But I did not expect the instructor to give me one on one help when it was my fault.

I also don't like it when someone in the class brings half her stash because she can't make a decision on which fabrics ro use and expects the instructor to help her with every decsion. And then doesn't like the choices that the instructor gives. I don't know why they even sign up, it seems they are not there to get anything out of the class.

I just find that behavior rude. As an adult, they should have learned some courtesy by now.

HA...I love this....but isn't it the truth!

Never have taken a class.
Learned from on line videos. No disruptions that way. I have seen many different ways to do blocks and have my prefered ways.
If I ever take a class, I thank you for the advice and will do it the teachers way.