Teaching the Perfect Class

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Every teacher wants to teach a perfect class. You know the one - every student leaves the class full of motivation to go scrap at home with what she learned in class. Learning what makes up that perfection is the key to having success with every class you teach.

Timing - A great class starts and ends on time. Students have given you a few hours in their busy lives, so don't be a time hog. Do a test run of the class so that you know you will have plenty of time to teach and to interact with students. Also, allow an accurate amount of time for the objective of the class. Not every class needs to be two hours long, which seems to be the standard. If you are teaching a difficult technique, you may need three hours. On the other hand, a quick class on tags may only need one hour. When planning, be sure to allow time for questions throughout the class, as well as a little time for students to share stories.

Difficulty Level - Your class should support the description given to students in promotions. This includes being taught at the right level for the students. If a student has signed up for a basic class, don't bring out every tool you own and be overwhelming.

Fresh Information - Classes should also offer fresh information, even if it is an older class. Resist the urge to use old handouts and projects to save your own time. Update as needed! Once you have explained and demonstrated the technique or project, allow students to use their creativity and style. One of my favorite things to do is see all the different ways the same project can look at the end of class.

Tips - Provide all kinds of little product and tool tips. For example, I use a handmade sponge dauber to apply ink to my edges, while most scrappers use the pad directly. I always get "ahhs" when I show this tool.

Instructor - You can't have a perfect class without being a great teacher. You should be knowledgeable, entertaining, personable and encouraging. A student will always remember a class taught by a wonderful instructor. For more on how to be a great teacher, read the article "Be a Great Scrapbook Teacher."

Environment - The environment in which you teach a class directly affects the quality of the class. If you are teaching in a store, try to keep interruptions from happening. It is very distracting to both you and the students. Give students plenty of room to work and good lighting. Convenient access to a bathroom is always a good thing.

Class Materials - The article, "Teacher's Guide: Scrapbook Class Project Planning," is a good place to start to help you build class kits that will be appreciated. In addition, provide adequate tools and/or ask students to bring their own. If you are doing a project where a tool is limited, consider having several stations with similar projects. Stations are also effective when the tool is something that can't be passed around, such as an embossing gun. If possible, make several copies of the finished projects to have on display or pass around. One always seems to get lost. On that same note, have samples that help students visualize the technique in more ways than the project alone. Finally, in a big classroom, use an overhead projector when possible. At a minimum walk around the room so that every student can see what you are showing.

Fun stuff - What would a class be without a little fun? Give a few door prizes throughout the class. Throw in some scrapbook trivia, like how many scrappers subscribe to a particular magazine. Tell stories of fun things you have seen or done in the hobby industry. If you have a digital camera, take photos of your students and then e-mail them the pictures from class. If you entertain when you teach, students will remember you long after they forget the projects made in class.

By utilizing the points above, your classes will get better with each one you teach. Will they all be perfect? Probably not. But by being a great teacher, your students will never know anything went wrong.

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