These are the display pieces of 4 of my faux FUNdamentals students...aren't they great?
They were a hard working bunch...very creative...they designed some wonderfully artistic pieces...each different...each showing what they learned in just a week...we had a lot of fun while learning...
Sometimes a student wants to be able to do what has taken me 35 years to master...sometimes a student wants me to decorate their home... sometimes a student tests my patience...sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't...
above students hang their show
It is difficult being a teacher of adult students...each needs or wants something different...each comes with a different skill set...and each may have a different way of learning...to keep them all on the same track or to control a student who wants to be the center of attention...is a challenge...for the most seasoned educator...
below students with favorite board
I plan the class with great care...the curriculum is thoughtfully designed to give exposure to all basic elements and tools...the timing is set to allow for individual study and experimentation...I even offer extra techniques as time allows...I know how the Folk School works and I design the class to fit those parameters and allow students time to visit other classrooms....and work at their own pace....
I love to teach and to pass on the craft that has been so good to me...and brought so much good into my life...I give 1000%...to fulfill everyone is my greatest joy...but it is not always possible...or even probable...
This year I had a difficult student...she wanted to know how to do everything in my portfolio, including illuminated manuscript (this was a basic faux class)...she actually dismantled my portfolio...removed pages and pictures from it that were secured in place behind plastic sleeves...I felt violated...she challenged everything I told her...if I said something would not work...she took it as a challenge to prove me wrong...it was a strain on me and on the other students I am sure...I was exhausted at week's end...
The evaluation sheets came today...some were good...sometimes you just have to let it go... Today's aMUSEment - Is there something you need to let go of? How do you do that? I wrote her name on a piece of paper, said a prayer for her, and threw it into the ocean...letting the surf take it away from shore and away from my heart.
U Be Creative Today!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
My Faux Students
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
7 comments:
as an artist and teacher like you, dealing with different characters can sometimes be a challenge the more when your very own work is involved. personality and education comes in when meeting people, changing your portfolio is not the perfect way to expose it and your student had missed a class in the past i guess. you had a special way of handling the situation rebecca. i would have done it less subbtle and with less patience as you did ;))
my compliments!!
the showed works of your students on the pictures are very creative, thanks to their mentor ;))
Félicitations pour votre blog ainsi que pour vos travaux !
Thank you for the link Un Cœur en Provence...
Soon the blog "A Heart in Provence" for your pleasure.
Ohhh you did wonderful. You seem to be a great teacher! :) You are so talented! It's great that you share that talent with others. :)
YOU GO GIRL!
*HUGS*
Hey how's you doing honeybunch?
Hope you are feeling better!
Dxxx
Thanks for the idea of how to let go :-)
Teaching is such a mixed thing - it can be absolutely exhilerating when you get a good 'flow' going between you and your students, but quite draining if that is missing because of 'problem pupils' or whatever... I've been working for years to not obsess over less-than-stellar feedback. You can't reach *everyone* - but that doesn't seem to make it easier. :-) I think you are right - letting go is the only thing.
(It sounds like a fabulous class, btw).
Your students look very happy and their boards are lovely. It shows that they've learned a lot! You had a very nice way of describing your 'challenging student'. I agree with Marita... I don't think I could be so subtle and patient as you are.
Post a Comment