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6 reasons to use samples in
craft teaching
Teaching crafts uses 3 of our senses:
listening, seeing, and touching (the other 2 are taste
and smell). It's important to understand their rôle in the
teaching and learning process. The following 6 points are offered as
reasons why samples are a key ingredient of successful craft teaching.
1. It provides a
visual of class project
When you're introducing a new project it's vital that you have
some sort of visual prompt to show everyone what you're going to
make. It's much more difficult for people to follow instructions
if they can't 'see' what they're supposed to be doing.
Whilst some can see this naturally, most of us benefit from having
something to look at. Having a completed sample of the project
will help you with the next bit.
2. It helps you to
introduce the session
The sample will really help you here. Most teachers know that the
first step in any session is to tell them what you’re going to tell
them (Step 1). That is, to show/tell everyone what you are
planning to do.
As you introduce the project and talk about what you expect everyone to
do, the sample of the project will focus everyone on the end result.
Of course, depending on the project, and the learners, it may not
matter a bit if the end result is nothing like the sample you've
made. Your situation will affect how much freedom you allow here.
3.
Allows you to create step-by-step visual stages
The finished sample is only the first step. The stage of 'showing them
(Step 2) needs you to break down the steps of the project into
bite-sized chunks. This gives everyone a chance to understand and
follow the instructions more easily.
Make up a series of step-by-step stages of the project, so that you
have something to pass around to help explain things visually.
This is even more important when there are a number of stages involved
such as in Origami). If the verbal instructions are too difficult to
grasp then learners can use the samples to fill in their
understanding. The samples can trigger questions and suggestions
that may not come otherwise.
4. Samples
help you when you're stressed
If you haven't done a project for a while then samples are a
godsend. They can help you to quickly refresh your own memory of
how to do it. I often number my samples.
If you can't physically write on them (as in Origami) write on a
square of paper and pin or stitch it on. Numbering the samples
helps you and your learners to note the various steps and order of
things and also reduces confusion.
5. They
provide ideas on colours, materials and sizes
Sometimes you may have time to make up a number of completed samples in
different colours, or sizes. This can help reluctant learners and
give them the kick-start they need to start.
People are often slow at getting going because they don't see the
possibilities that can be achieved, or don’t visualise
how they could use a chosen material.
Be prepared to encourage people to adapt and change your ideas to make
things their own. The samples should only serve as a reference
and not be cast in stone. Make full use of any resources that you
have in the cupboard
6. Samples help
those who learn through looking and touching
If a project is pretty complex, and involves lots of techniques, then
having samples will help those who learn through looking and
touching (visual and kinaesthetic). It can really help to
see the steps and to match these to what is being said.
Sometimes the verbal instructions can seem too challenging. In
these situations the visual samples can provide the bigger
picture. Learners can then make their own mind up about what is
being said and make their own sense of it all based on what they see as
well.
If you're not sure how valuable samples are, try running two craft
sessions, one with samples and one without, and monitor the
results. You should find that the session with samples is much
more lively and successful giving everyone a more equal change of
participating and succeeding.
=====================================================
Geraldine Jozefiak is passionate about
crafts and their place in
education. Be part of raising standards in teaching and learning
by offering the best possible creative opportunities.
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Looking for
craft
projects, books, teaching manuals or courses? Need ideas on what
to teach and how to teach it?
"The Craft Teacher" can save you time and stress in teaching and
learning crafts.
Click Here => http://www.the-craft-teacher.com
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