Class Size?

[candygrrl]

Here's a little poll about class size, also feel free to add any comments about how smaller or larger classes affected your learning experience...

Candace

[Modesto]

While they might be difficult to find and afford...One on One is the preferred method for me as a student.

[NewCreation]

I have never taken a one on one class, but that is how I teach for the time being. I think that the undivided attention of the instructor can carry you much further along. I have taken a class with 6 and a class with 10. I learned much in both. I think that what is most important is how well the teacher can teach!

[bluhealer]

Were I teaching, I'd prefer no more than three.
As a student, not sure. My only class to date was Loren Stump....and as it was when I was still in Ak, they crammed in as many as they could find torches for! I think it was 12-14....and a couple of people certainly felt shortchanged-there were several more demanding students that perhaps would have done better in a smaller class.
On a humorous note, we all brought our best salmon, halibut, moose, caribou, etc. to grill on the last day.....only to find out he didn't like seafood! Poor fellow!

Carolyn

[GlassPrincess]

Hi Candance,

I prefer one-on-one classes because I'm selfish. I like to have the teachers undivided attention... moving forward - I realize that there is a great advantage to taking a class with more than one student - you will learn from the teacher and the others in your class.

So, I'd say more then one student is best as long as the teacher is able to handle it.

HTH,
Dawn

[KristiB]

Two cents from a person with 3 torch days under her belt (2 in class and one at home (yea!)

I just took a class with two inctructors and 15 students. (there where also two assistants) While it was an excellent class and I learned a lot. I had a lot of questions that could have been answered had the class been smaller or one on one. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking the class, it was great. It gave me enough to know what I want out of my next class.

I'm thinking I will take a one on one for my next class. I'm saving my money for Jim Smircich since he's only about 3 hours or so from me. Until then I am reading and trying to execute what's in his wonderful book.

Kristi

[flamewerks]

I like classes with more than one student, but less than room capacity.

A recent class I took had as many people as they could jam into the room. Pretty uncomfortable. Also, inevitably, there is at least one "dynamic" student (comes in late, asks excessive and repetitive questions on topics already covered, crowds in front during the demos, talks to others while the instructor is talking, etc. ) which seems to overwhelm the class. At least if there are less people, you can maintain a small sense of your own space.

When I teach, I keep my class to four or less. And, if at all possible, find out what will keep the "star" student pacified and busy because I want them to enjoy the class without taking away from the rest of the students.

-Mona

[candygrrl]

Now here are two additional questions:

For those of you who are teachers, is there a minimum class size that would make it worthwhile for you to travel to teach?

And for class attendees, would you be willing to pay a bit more for a smaller class size?

Candace (the Curious!)

[glassdude]

There are several reasons why I prefer one on one classes...

I get to know the student really well, and can see where they need additional attention/practice.
My workspace is very limited right now, so can't teach more than two students at a time.....
We can spend lots of time on safety, annealing etc., before during and after the class..... If we feel the "muse", we can go many more hours than originally planned!
We get to become "beady friends" if that is what's supposed to happen!

Besides, I'm basically very shy until I get to know you, or have really warmed up..... Stage fright and such!!!

Years ago I did a lot of mentoring and tutoring in an ESL area at Rutgers University.... Found my teaching is best done one on one, where the student receives my undivided attention.
Never having had a glass class, I have no idea what a larger class feels like...........


Hugs!
Jacqui

[b2beads]

While 1 on 1 may be best in many ways, it may well be too cost prohibitive for most people. I also think there is some benefit in seeing other's work and hearing their questions. But, if at all possible, I think 4 should be about the max - can still get some personalized attention, easier to see demos, not too crowded (hopefully), etc.

But, what do I know? I've only ever been in one half day class! But that will be changing soon!

B2

[candygrrl]

Okay, I'm bumping this to the top because I want more replies

Candace