I'm getting ready to teach a class, and having taken a class or two :-) I have on occasion wishing the instructor could read my mind and cover things I had questions about. Since the shoe is about to be on the other foot :twisted: and I haven't learned to read minds, I thought I'd just ask:

What do you wish a class instructor would cover? What do they assume you know that you wish they'd go into more detail about? Was there anything you really appreciated?

Our class will be on a wall hanging I designed, and will cover how to make the blocks and do the border treatments (folded border and prairie points.) We'll talk about quilting options for the final piece, but probably won't have time to go over how to do each one.

Roben, is this a class for beginners, intermediate or professional quilters? Find out the level and experience of your class members and then teach to that level. Just keep asking "do you have any questions? are you with me so far? etc." If you make yourself accessible to the class then they are more likely to ask you any questions they have.

Good luck---I know you are going to be a success!!

An instructor at my LQS was once a kindergarten teacher, she always tells us so, and that she is used to the simplest questions being asked over and over!!! :lol: She asks everyone to introduce themselves and to tell about their sewing/quilting experience. Be very encouraging and upbeat, and you've got it made :D

This helps a great deal - thanks so much!

My instructions are geared to beginners; if the intermediate or advanced quilters are like me, they will skim over what they already know. I just always hated it when an instructor would mention a term or technique, assuming everyone knew all about it - except me :shock:

If there are any other little annoyances that I can plan out of my class, then I'd like to do that.

I've been teaching a community quilt class for several years. I have a mixture of beginners to advanced. I have a beginner block and a more difficult block pattern at each class. Everyone can choose which block they want to make or both. I show them the finished block and during class fabric is cut allowing the beginners to learn that. It's a fun time and very informal. We try out different methods and lot of different rulers and tools. The blocks can be sewn there or taken home an sewn. I have big box of scraps that I let everyone pick through for different colors and many bring more scraps to add to it. I learn a lot from everyone too. I encourage the class to bring show and tell, anything they want to share and of course bring the blocks from the previous classes to show. Before class everyone pins their blocks or items to a piece of felt along the wall. One thing that is a big hit is to have a drawing each class for a simple door prize! It's something I find a free pattern for and make. Everyone gets a copy of the pattern and the door prize winner gets the finished item.
I have a big easel with every step of the block pattern made in advance. that really helps the members to go look at it and see exactly how it is done. I may have four to eight blocks of the same pattern in different stages of piecing. Teaching is a lot of prep work and be prepared for the smallest detail to throw you off! :shock:

define abbreviations - HST - for example

talk about grain lines

talk about prewashing - why or why not

are the students to bring items with them - or to the next class?

have spare items available to lend for the class members to use - chances are someone will forget something

(or not- that way everyone may be more apt to remember everything???)

is this a class that the students are "supposed" to buy their things from a certain source or can they bring their stuff from "wherever"?

Woo Hoo Roben!! I bet your class is going to be so much fun!!! :D :D :D
I think that as much thought as you have put into this class, you will have most of the bases covered! If you plan enough time for questions during each segment you should do great!!! I look forward to hearing more about your class! :D :D :D

I would want the instructor to be up to date on the best methods for making basic four patchs, HST etc.
There are so many different ways and gadgets for doing this.
By watching many experts on QNNTV and QuiltersTV I have learned so much and I would expect the teacher to be well informed on all the different ways to make quilting easier.
Also have lists of everything you need to bring to class.
Knowledge on all the different sewing machine feet would be nice to know also.
Make the class a fun and memorable expierience.
I think it is great that you are asking for our input, that shows me you really care and want to do the best class posible.

Is this to be a hand quilting or machine quilting class?

I'm really glad I took a hand-piecing class first.

I think I learned to "see" how to put things together better that way.

Also might cover where "precision" matters and where/when it really is not important at all.

If you have beginners and advanced, the advanced students may want to assist the newbies.

I would recommend using a MAIN method for a specific technique and cover it in detail. If there is time and interest, you can cover an alternative method once the main method is understood. I have been in classes as a newbie where the instructor tossed out 3 competing methods and the instruction became confusing.

Watch the students. I think it becomes clear by their action if they "got it" or not. I remember a sample sewing session where I was the only one who had the button holes going the wrong direction. :oops: (Had I realized that I was making button holes, I might have realized that I was off.)

Have fun.

I agree with MadQuilter -

show ONE technique (maybe explain that there are other ways, but that you won't be going into them in this class) that works well

probably whichever method works best for you

and then tell them about the QuiltingBoard.com :-)

These are all great responses, and are giving me lots to think about - better now than the day of class, right? :lol:

I designed the wall hanging to focus on 3 specific techniques - trying to keep it limited a bit. I'm thinking about half an hour to demo the techniques, and then on to working the actual pattern so I can get to everyone with some individual attention. The wall hanging may take longer than class time, so I'm putting together a companion 'free project' that I know can be finished in class - at least that way all the techniques have been practiced a bit. I played with the instructions as I did one sample today, and tomorrow I'll time it and see where I'm at.

I agree that there are many, many ways to do the same thing and just about as many gadgets as well - I'm sticking to the best way I've found for a newbie like me to be as successful as possible, with tools that I've found work as advertised. I've seen a lot of different techniques, and they do get confusing - but I also know that what works for me may be greek to someone else and vise versa. I also want to encourage participants to help, chat & laugh with each other - those are always the classes that are the most fun!

Thanks for letting me think this thru out loud and for all your input - it helps, it really helps!

thanks for letting me play

you might also consider having them do an (optional) evaluation sheet at the end

Egads! Ya mean I get evaluated too??!!!!

I'd better bring chocolate, and lots of it..... :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

I think these are the two key points.... you can see on people's faces whether they "got it" or not, and whether they feel confident or not.
And when people are having fun, they're relaxed, and more likely to say "sorry, what am I supposed to be doing again?"

:-)

You can phrase the evaluation to find out the things you did RIGHT! Also, asking about classes they might want, techniques they are interested in, and such - could lead to more classes, should you feel inclined. The only suggestion that hasn't been mentioned yet is a handout, so six months from now, when a wip re-appears, they aren't left scratching their heads trying to remember what was covered. Foam-core boards from the dollar store would be easy to pin samples onto, and rigid enough to stand up where folks can refer back to.

And if it's an all day class, definately a candy jar or something sweet at lunchtime to help anyone who gets stressed.

There are no real right or wrong answers obviously. One thing that came to mind is to think about the classes you took. What did you like about them? What didn't you like about them?

When it comes to being in front of everyone, assume nothing. Smile, be approachable and ask questions to your audience. Will your class time allow you to spend a few minutes with each student? That could be a time to specifically address any potential "roadblocks" and tactfully share with the class, so as not to embarrass the student.

Do you have some friends that quilt? Even those that don't, you need a range. Have a girls night at your house and practice with your friends. This way you can see if you have any gaps or aren't comfortable with the flow as well as gain a feel for what you are about to embark on.

Pace yourself comfortably. While each one will have a different learning curve, be mindful of those that aren't quite getting it then and there. Will you have the time outside of class to be available to answer questions?

Even knowing in reality, you can't please everyone all the time, is your class content, style, delivery going to give your audience the feeling that it was money well spent? Any little "freebie" thing you can pass along---measuring guide lists, small glossary list, differences on needle sizes, batting, a few websites, just a little perk of something to involve them more after they leave and keep you in mind. Get their info so that you can invite them to another class you teach. Personal interest goes a long way.

All that said, I'm so excited for you! Did I overlook when you'll be starting? Please keep us posted on how it turns out! Above and beyond all else-----have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I always like it when the instructor includes some of the history of quilting. Information on when and where the techniques were developed. I would imagine information on prairie points, when they were first used would be of interest to a lot of people.

I always love the names of the blocks and the variations (like churn dash and monkey wrench being so similar).

Elizabeth

One of the things the teacher did in the last class I took was take a pad of sticky notes and write the person's name on one and stick it on the back of their machine. That way she could call everybody by name without having to try and learn 20 people's names in 10 minutes!

My experiences at quilt classes to date have not been very good, and I hesitated to say anything, but here are some things I observed.
Be prepared ... do NOT promise a technique and only manage to put out three of the five steps ...
Have the pattern/technique you say you are going to teach MATCH the technique/pattern that you hand out in class ...
Do NOT tell the class that you will get them some part of the information sometime when they come into the shop next time.
Do NOT blame the students for not following instructions when the instructions you spoke or handed out were about as clear as mud because you were doing it all on the run, off the top of your head, while planning what you are going to do that quilt top coming up next week.
And, if a student manages to do something backwards, take a good look at the block to see if it isn't exactly the same thing, just in a different direction ...
Ask! <g> I will tell you the whole sordid tale ...
oh! And! do NOT tell students what they need to prepare before they come to class, figuring that you have told everyone ... have the instructions WRITTEN down BEFORE class time if you want your students to come prepared ...
I am pretty sure you have never been to any of the quilt classes I have attended <g>, I am looking forward to how your students did.

I know that some of us students are not the brightest bulbs on the tree, but most of us aren't as inept as some instructors think we are. Nor, are we so naive that we can't figure out when an instructor is more impressed with itself than anyone else in the shop ... if you get my drift <g>.
I know that you have never taught a class I attended, but since you wanted to know what a student wants, I just HAD to vent a bit!
If I thought it would make a difference, I would be doing it in person, but ... I just don't take classes there any more, so ... if I sound bitter, I apologize in advance! :roll:

All I know for sure is that I SURE wish I could take this class!!

Just one more suggestion.

One of my classes, the instructor taught a technique for piecing with very tiny pieces. There were so many in the class that most of us could not see the way she was laying them out.

my suggestion is, exaggerate the size your are demonstrating with, but show a finish that is the correct size.

Use a background that has a dark shade for it if you are using a lot of white or light fabrics. Light color if you are using bright fabrics and set up the room with the planning board on a plain wall the windows won't interfere with the seeing the actual work and getting pictures.

I'm a visual learner, if I can SEE it even when I'm working it, I can work it out properly so encourage them to bring camera to get shots of the work in progress, especially if they aren't doing them at the time.

me, too!!!!!!!!!!!!

make sure everyone can see and hear (assuming the students have normal vision and hearing)

if the class will be very large, perhaps have an assistant?

will this be a "do in class" or "lecture" type of class?

If a "do in class", have the room set up so you can get to each participant and see what she/he is doing - if necessary

will you be needing an ironing board?

check out the space you'll be using ahead of time so you know what you will be working in

What a great idea for those of us who are visual learners.
Love the quilt in your avatar!!!

omak, don't feel bad at all - that was *exactly* what I need to hear before the class, not after! I've been going over the classes I've taken in my head, not only for what worked but specifically for what didn't work so I can plan to do things differently. I appreciate your post so very much!

Mimisharon, what a good point on the tiny pieces. Hubby is making me a portable design wall to take with me (gosh, have I told him that yet? Maybe I haven't...LOL) and the only block in the project can be done in several sizes, so doing a bigger one is a great idea.

The project will be sent out to test sewers before class, because you can only look at and revise something so much before a fresh set of eyes become very important. Instructions I'm not worried about; making everyone in the class feel as if they had a good class is what I'm concerned about.

PS: jbs, I'd love to have you come - then I start having visions of you cracking a joke, me cracking a smart response back...and drinks being spewed all over sewing machines :twisted: :twisted: It sure would be a hoot, wouldn't it? :lol:

Go Girl,
I am sure you will get them all hooked to be wise quilters.
Sometimes when I have do a series of classes, at end give each student small thankyou, Mini pin-cushion, or small fabric pin, just to let then know I did enjoy teaching them.

I was going to add: make sure the printed instructions are accurate and the pattern pieces or templates are accurate - but you already said you are going to have a "test run"

handouts are nice

I think you will have a good class

Be specific re tools. The supply list for my first class just said rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat. When I got to the store, I was bewildered by the different sizes. Of course, I bought the wrong ones, e.g., a huge mat and ruler when we needed small ones. Of course, they won't be wasted eventually, but for someone who's not sure if she wants to continue this crazy passion, tools can get expensive in a hurry.

After reading through some of the other responses, they are all very good, my question is where are you teaching this class? If it is at your LQS you need to know what she has available for students to buy, and try very hard to encourage the brand that she carries. After all, you are being paid by her, using her space, etc. so it makes sense to me and I know that they appreciate the extra sales.
It is very important that you know what level of experience each member of the class has, so I always have each person in class introduce themselves, tell when they started quilting, and how much they have done. Always watch their faces, you can tell if they understand you or not. Also watch for that timid person who is afraid to ask, especially if you have someone in the class who is always talking or giving you advice! :x It seems that some classes have those people who know a lot or think they do and want to help teach or tell you a better way of doing things. I teach for one quilt shop and the owner always lets me know if I have one of those in the class! :) The main thing is to go into class over prepared and have samples and show them how to do each step. Good luck. Jan

Sapdoggie, Wish you were in Phx, would love to take your class.

One other thing?
I attended one class where they were expecting me to walk out with a quilt cut beforehand(per instructions handed out at registration YAY!), but they actually only expected us to sew about four of the twenty eight blocks we cut out .... not too bad, but not understanding (my problem) that I was only doing part of the quilt that day, I became frustrated by not being able to complete each step (again, my problem, but I figured that precutting all the pieces, I should have a completed top at the end of a complete day) ... SO!
The next class I attended at the same shop, I was resigned to finishing one block, and found out that I was going to be doing the whole thing!
Thankfully, I was a bit older and wiser, so going with the flow was no problem, but I thought that maybe a goal of having one part done or the whole thing done, or fifteen pieces done delineated by the instructor beforehand would help the participants understand why they are there for the whole day ...
that might be poorly worded, and again, it might just have been a lack of understanding on my part, but I have seen classes offered that said what would be completed at the end of six hours in a classroom.
One class I attended, the instructor was so impressed with certain students that they would carry on conversations across the room, stand between students and the sample, monopolized the only iron and board in the room, all the while, having a personal conversation ...
and, I was practicing being polite that day, so I wouldn't interrupt or get pushy <g> ... but, I am one of those students who knows a lot and I am learning to let the teacher be the teacher. If I can encourage someone else as they are working, then I will if the instructor is busy somewhere else ... but, as mentioned before, I have a lot to learn about how to be a helpful student and not a buttinsky!
And another thing ... one class required a nine and a half inch ruler ... maybe I didn't ask the right questions, but for a couple dollars more, I could have purchased a fifteen inch ruler and really made the new acquisition fit into my growing repetoire ... What REALLY got me was! There was not a nine and a half inch measurement ANYWHERE in the quilt top!
I am a bit of a teacher myself, which means I am a lot of a learner ... I don't mean to sound ungrateful for others who know something I do not ... and, I fully understand that others have different ways of teaching. I don't mean to sound so negative, but I figure if I was put off by some of these things, what happened to someone who wasn't as much a knothead as I am?
From what you are talking about for your class, you sound very prepared.
If I am ever in your class, I PROMISE to let you be the teacher! LOL

I have taught many classes--. be encouraging to everyone, whatever they do, find something positive to say about it. Demo's along with the explanation are appreciated. A well known instructor told me to always wear lipstick. Sounds silly, but people seem to understand you better when they can see your lips. Good luck!!

One other thing, in the class requirements say that they must be familiar with their machine and bring the machines book along with. I took a class once and one woman had no idea how to run her machine. The instructor spent the majority of the class time helping her.

I would not have been a happy camper in that class -

I took a class with another woman that wouldn't keep her mouth shut so I missed a lot of what the instructor was trying to teach us.

This had nothing to do with the instructor - but I'm sure it was annoying to her. and the other people in the class.

Roben,
I've taught a few classes and always put in little reminders, e.g. make sure you are sewing a 1/4 inch seam (I've been going towards a scant 1/4 inch lately.); Watch how they are pressing their seams, not ironing them, etc. Sometimes just reinforcing the basics helps out a lot. My biggest thing is telling them to make sure their rotary cutters are closed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I tell them I never want to hear about someone who's grandchild picked up an open cutter and severed the tendons in the palms of their hands. They all grimace and the blades are covered.
One thing I have done in my last two classes was to have the students set up, tables in the form of a "U" and then I have them bring their chairs into the open area and have them introduce themselves and then give them a little lecture about what we will be doing that day(that way they know if they are in the right class...you'd be surprised). Use props to explain the steps. Keep walking around to see what the students are doing. Give them time parameters..."It's 11:00 and so if you want to go get something for lunch at 11:30 you have a half hour."
I like the idea of the students bringing a camera to help them later. I also give them my home phone number in case they have any questions at a later time. (Most of my students belong to my guild and already have it, but it doesn't hurt.)
Good luck in your class and let us know how things went.
Chris

I was at a class last weekend and the teacher included two things with her handouts that were helpful - samples of how to finish the quilt (using the blocks in different ways) and samples of the quilting. It was also helpful when the teacher gave a quilting how to that wasn't necessary for the class. Hope this helps.

Who me? make you spew Dr. Pepper? now would I do something like that? :twisted: :twisted: muwahahahahahahahahahahaha

I'm thinkin at least a hoot and a half :D

Funny my neighbor and I were talking about good and bad classes we have taken last night. Kitty made a great point, make sure you get around to each person to ask them if they are understanding the tasks and make them "feel welcome". She took a week long retreat that the woman (I am not saying who, but you would reccognize her name) showed favorites to her buddies the whole time and hardly even spoke to her! And she was very vauge with her vocal and written instructions.

Perhaps do your (loud and clear) presentation complete and then ask for the ladies to show thier hands if they need to ask a question or be given just a little more help.
I totally agree with giving out a great handout sheet. It makes a big difference is you have to wait a month or two to finish up the project.

I take my recorder with me to some classes. A small video camera to others if I know it is something that is going to take a visual retake for me to remember.

Please do touch on color and scale of fabrics, it does make a big difference in the finished product. If possible use a big layout board in the front of the class. Or poster ... both help.

And last of all, I know your class is going to be great! You asked the right questions ahead of time. Good teacher habit, Roben!

Yeah! What Red Garnet said! You are going to have a GREAT class!