<and she demonstrates things > <so fast most of us can't see how they were done... some students attempt >
<patterns way beyond their skills and get discouraged, others never attempt > <anything beyond the simplest torchon - and some of those never learn to start, > <finish or turn a simple corner unaided (those who do learn are the ones who've> <found a good book or two to use between classes). We've also lost a fair few> <beginners by the wayside (I know of at least one ex-pupil who still wants to> <have another go at lacemaking, but not with that teacher).> In my many years of experience as a teacher I have learned that no two students progress at the same rate, which makes a structured teaching plan required by Adult Education Authorities, a complete waste of time! Some students will sail through this lesson plan whilst others will struggle beyond belief. Many want to be 'spoon fed' and I guess they feel that's what they are paying for but will not do a single stitch between classes and openly admit to all and sundry in the class that they have not touched their bobbins/needle since last class, but will say weekly/monthly to the tutor "What have you new for us to see this week/month"? If a student is really keen to learn, they will go home and practise and try to work out for themselves how to do something. This is what 'sorts the men out from the boys' so to speak. They can't bear to wait a whole week/month to find out what to do next and they are the type of student who quickly moves on to become a tutor themselves. When a student just can't grasp how to do something ie. the diamond formation in Venetian Gros Point, which they can follow quite clearly whilst I am demonstrating to them and doing all the counting, I continue to work their sample but have them sitting next to me telling ME what I should do next. This way, they are thinking for themselves and not following 'parrot fashion' what I am telling them. We get out of life what we put into it, and if a student asks their teacher to show them how to start or finish a piece, and she refuses to do so, for whatever reason, then they should find another tutor. I don't teach every type of needlelace but if a student asks me a technique that I do not know, I openly admit this and offer to do my best but suggest that they go to Mrs . or Mrs . who is expert in this particular field. It's no use pretending otherwise because students are not stupid and will soon realise that the teacher is not quite what they were looking for. Catherine Barley Henley-on-Thames UK - To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line: unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to arachnemodera...@yahoo.com
