How to become a BETTER Student . . .RECAP

In late September, 2011 we published our How to Become a Better Student blog series. A series of questions posed to 8 different students regarding their class experiences.  I felt it was important to recap the list of important things to do as a STUDENT to enjoy your classes more, learn efficiently and have more fun without being a "Disruptive Donna". (no offense to Donna's - it's just a moniker I made up) 
So here is the list we compiled from our official scientific student study. 

So, what was the number one reason given by our students for taking a class?
BONDING. SOCIALIZING. Meeting NEW people. 
All of the students felt that they learned the techniques in the classes and had some great tips to share for other students or anyone planning on taking a class, here are a few condensed tips:


1. Bring an adequate, alternate light source and extra supplies such as needles, thread, bead mat, pliers, etc. Not only may you need them but what a better way to make a new friend then to help them have a great class experience by sharing?

2. LISTEN to the instructor and take plenty of notes! Thus, bring PAPER and PEN to every class - even if you think you won't need it. While you are sure to find time to visit and socialize, first and foremost you're there to learn and expand your "beady resume". Listen to the instructor - she wants to GIVE you a gift. The gift of her hard earned experimentation and knowledge base - it's a priceless gift.

3. Let yourself learn and create - don't get hung up on what you can't do - spend time and energy focusing on what you can and will accomplish. Women are very hard on themselves - here is a chance to stop judging your failures and applauding your achievements, triumphs and successes and if you can't do that - do it for your fellow classmates!

4. PREREQUISITES: Read them. If you do not have the skills or prior knowledge base to formulate, create and comprehend the project in the class - save yourself, the instructor and your fellow classmates the frustration of failing at something before you've even started! See #1 . . .

Prerequisite Defined: a qualification or condition required to make something happen. I think that's very vague - how I see a prerequisite is (like the picture above) a BUILDING BLOCK used to complete one task - and then often used in another task. Without prior knowledge of the A building block, you cannot recite a complete alphabet or follow through with a specific task assigned. My opinion is that many would-be students look at prerequisites like a RULE meant to be broken when in reality it is nothing more than a request to be in a certain STAGE of your crafting that you're able to comprehend the next step. 


5. If you've got any questions - ASK THE INSTRUCTOR - If you love an instructors work - why chance asking someone who really doesn't have all the facts and just repeats what they've heard about an instructor? It's beading that has brought us together - so Get your information from the "horses' mouth, not the ass".  Pamela Troutman has some great common sense questions to ask the Instructor or "Horses' Mouth":

Cartoon horse by Melanie Eberhardt 1980

• How much experience do I need in this medium? (prerequisites are listed for this reason)
• What are the minimum tools/supplies needed that are NOT in your kit?
• Will I finish the project in your class? If not, can I finish on my own with the instructions as you have them written? 

6. Bring a snack and drink and MOVE around during the class as much as you can without being disruptive. I mean - don't get up and walk over to someone else who is working and take up their class time with your stretch break.  If you have a friend in the class it's fine to schedule your breaks together - but remember - unless you're being tutored privately - others' are there to learn as well.

Do you have additional suggestions for becoming the best student you can be? I'd love to get your feed back. Leave a comment and/or write me - I'd happily share your feedback.


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How to become a BETTER Student . . .

I hope you've enjoyed our first round of Students answers to our questions about "How to become a Better Student". As I said in the introduction to this series - I want to bring teachers and students together - to find a happy medium about teaching and learning. And with most of us being out of school for years (well, I have...) and some of our study habits lost along the way of raising children, working jobs, being married, life? From our students answers, what tips can we share, to get more from classes we've signed up to take?
From our survey answers we learned that on average a single class fee was $60.62+ and then you may or may not purchase a kit? And travel expenses - average cost per gallon of gas at this time is $3.42 and if need be - a hotel room? Lunch? Dinner? We could be talking $250.00 to $350.00 for a SINGLE class. 
I'll be taking my first real classes in November 2011 from Laura McCabe in Dallas, Texas at the Dallas Bead Society. I had to join the DBS to get into the class. The class fee per class for DBS members are $80.00 each for a total of $240.00 per class. The kits for the classes I actually got into were $310.00  (one kit per class and no other colorways). And so, without driving to Dallas yet or eating or buying any thing other than what I need for 3 classes, I've already spent $550.00 (now I see a very valid reason I've never taken classes before?) But - I am going to see Jillykintwin Wiseman and my friend of over 25 years - Karen Vergamini. And it's going to be a girls' weekend mixed with a huge amount of learning and I hope good food and lots of laughs.
So, what was the number one reason given by our students for taking a class?
BONDING. SOCIALIZING. Meeting NEW people. 
All of the students felt that they learned the techniques in the classes and had some great tips to share for other students or anyone planning on taking a class, here are a few condensed tips:


1. Bring an adequate, alternate light source and extra supplies such as needles, thread, bead mat, pliers, etc. Not only may you need them but what a better way to make a new friend then to help them have a great class experience by sharing?

2. LISTEN to the instructor and take plenty of notes! Yes, bring PAPER and PEN to every class - even if you think you won't need it. While you are sure to find time to visit and socialize, first and foremost you're there to learn and expand your "beady resume". Listen to the instructor - she wants to GIVE you a gift. The gift of her hard earned experimentation and knowledge base - it's a priceless gift.

3. ALLOW yourself to learn and create - don't get hung up on what you can't do - spend time and energy focusing on what you can and will accomplish. Women are very hard on themselves - here is a chance to stop judging your failures and applauding your achievements, triumphs and successes and if you can't do that - do it for your fellow classmates!

4. PREREQUISITES: Read them. If you do not have the skills or prior knowledge base to formulate, create and comprehend the project in the class - save yourself, the instructor and your fellow classmates the frustration of failing at something before you've even started! See #1 . . .


5. If you've got any questions - ASK THE INSTRUCTOR - If you love an instructors work - why chance asking someone who really doesn't have all the facts and just repeats what they've heard about an instructor? It's beading that has brought us together - so get your information from the "horses' mouth, not the ass".  Pamela Troutman has some great common sense questions to ask the Instructor or "Horses' Mouth":

• How much experience do I need in this medium? (prerequisites are listed for this reason)
• What are the minimum tools/supplies needed that are NOT in your kit?
• Will I finish the project in your class? If not, can I finish on my own with the instructions as you have them written?

6. Bring a snack and drink and MOVE around during the class as much as you can without being disruptive. I mean - don't get up and walk over to someone else who is working and take up their class time with your stretch break.  If you have a friend in the class it's fine to schedule your breaks together - but remember - unless you're being tutored privately - others' are there to learn as well.

Do you have additional suggestions for becoming the best student you can be? I'd love to get your feed back. Leave a comment and/or write me - I'd happily share your feedback.


Next up - we have INSTRUCTORS/TEACHERS! See what they have to say...


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How to become a BETTER Student . . .STUDENT: Jennie K. Stephens

I've only met Jennie once and if I remember correctly, she was energetic, bubbly and very sweet. I'm pretty sure I met her at the Interweave party in Tucson but it might have been at the Meet the Teachers Reception in Wisconsin? When I sent out the call for student volunteers - she accepted and gave me tons of great information - why? Because she teaches also - so she's given me a great view from both sides of the table. Here is Jennie K. Stephens:

3. What is the AVERAGE cost of your classes (don’t need exact, just average): about $50.00

4. Do you usually take a class that supplies a KIT? NO! (A)If not, what motivates you to take the class? (cost, teacher, friends) I am usually motivated first by what the class is teaching, and then perhaps by the teacher. If all things line up, the price is not an issue, nor is it an issue if a kit is included. BUT, if I do not like the teacher, then the project isn't that enticing. 

5. When you signed up for your class - did you read the prerequisites for the class or just assume you could learn once you were in the class - in front of the instructor - with the instructions/diagrams in front of you?  I have NEVER done this because I am a teacher myself and I absolutely can NOT stand it when I have very specific prerequisites and then get students who expect they can either learn it in class or by the instructions. If I do not have the prerequisite , I do NOT take the class. Period.

6. Did you learn the techniques you paid to learn in each class (be specific). A. If not, please tell us why?  I always make sure I leave the classes I take with written instructions and confidence that I learned the actual technique and can go home and finish it or start a new project using the new technique. If I don't, I am an unhappy camper and the teacher will know!

7. What was the best thing about taking the/a class?  I take classes for many reasons - first and foremost is to learn a new technique or project. But also as important is the camaraderie between the students and the teacher. I love getting to know other people and what they do, while sitting around learning something new together. It really adds to the experience, especially if the teacher is awesome too! 

8. What was the MOST difficult obstacle to overcome while taking a class?  I usually struggle with the fact that because I think I'm "creative" that I can learn anything EASILY! This is so not true! Which is why I take classes. . . I find that I struggle when I look around the room and everyone is happily working on their project when I am having a difficult time. It is just because I am a perfectionist and am too hard on myself! Once I get past that point, though, I am usually a happy student.

9. Was the fee you paid for your class -worth it and why or why not?  I would say that almost every class I've ever taken was worth it, but I have never paid more than about $85 for a class (other than the 3-month metals class, which was DEFINITELY worth it). As I mentioned before, it's not just the project or technique that makes it worth it - it's the interactions between the teacher, the teacher and the students and me and the other students. It's the creative vibe that goes on in a class that makes it worth it (but only if all other things are in alignment as well, like how good the teacher is and how well they are teaching). If the teacher is poor at what they do, it is very difficult for me to look past that. . .

10. Adding all your classes together - to make ONE class - what could you have done better - as a student - to get more out of your class experience?  I probably could have been more patient with myself and the other students if they weren't grasping the concept. I tend to be very hard on myself which only creates a stressful environment for myself and probably everyone else. I need to remember that I am there to LEARN something I didn't already know and to give my brain and hands a chance to learn!

11. OPTIONAL: If you want, write some tips for others who might want to take a class in the future.

a. I would say my #1 tip is to make sure you have the prerequisites down. It is not the teachers responsibility to catch you up! Especially if they already told you the prerequisite.
b. I would also say that it is very important to follow along with the pace of the teacher and the pace of what they are teaching. As a teacher - I have had a lot of students who think they can read it and dot it on their own without following along with the teacher/students and inevitably, they end up needing more help because they tuned out while they were working ahead. I always tell my students that it might seem like it's taking more time to go at the same pace but really it is saving you time and more questions in the long run.
c. And I would just say PAY ATTENTION. You paid to be here which means you have some sort of trust in the teacher to actually teach you something fun. So listen and do what you're told. There's a reason for all of the steps in the instructions. 
d. Ask if you don't understand something and take notes so you can go home and understand the instructions again.

Don't forget to check back every Friday for our Scavenger Trivia Game!

Like what you've read about Jennie? Find her here: MAJIK
While we've finished with our students - we're now moving on to the teachers!


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How to become a BETTER Student . . .STUDENT: AJ Reardon

Oh gosh, I've been waiting for this moment! To get to write about AJ (again) on our blog! I met AJ in Tucson, Arizona 2011. She was working for a vendor I adore - and I had the pleasure of talking to her later at a local party. AJ is "fresh" and she's "real" and she's so funny! When you first meet her - your impression might be that she's quiet. BUT after the initial introductions - she's so quick, smart and did I say "funny?" And if you want to win my heart for the rest of your life - make me laugh! I adore AJ. If you get a chance - friend her on Facebook - but first read her answers to my How to be a better student questionnaire. 

AJ's Salome's Dance

3.         What is the AVERAGE cost of your classes (don’t need exact, just average):
Honestly can't remember, they were part of retreat package deals.

4.         Do you usually take a class that supplies a KIT? About half and half.  A. If not, what motivates you to take the class? (cost, teacher, friends) Both times I was motivated because the retreat was organized by someone I liked and the teachers were people I wanted to learn from.

5.        When you signed up for your class – did you read the prerequisites for the class or just assume you could learn once you were in the class – in front of the instructor – with the instructions/diagrams in front of you?
I'm a compulsive reader. Of course I read the prerequisites :)

AJ's Phoenix Feathers

6.        Did you learn the techniques you paid to learn in each class (be specific).
Yes, in each case I left class with the skills I needed to finish the project. A. If NOT, please tell us WHY?

7.        What was the best thing about taking the/a class:
Learning from big name teachers and being surrounded by long-distance friends.

8.        What was the MOST difficult obstacle to overcome while taking a class?
Honestly? A stupid obstacle of my own making. Never use black beads and black thread for an all-day workshop!

9.       Was the fee you paid for your class – worth it and why or why not?
Totally worth it. All of the classes I've taken have been part of retreats, and so it's been a big experience... travel someplace fun, learn from the best in the field, spend time with friends old and new.

10.       Adding all your classes together – to make ONE class – what could you have done better – as a student – to get more out of your class experience?
Be a little less shy and star-struck and get to know the teachers better. They're usually very friendly, chatty and willing to impart extra tips if you ask the right questions.

AJ's Guildmistress

  11. OPTIONAL: If you want – write some tips for others who might want to take a class in the future.
Travel prepared! I attended a retreat where we were told our kits would include needles and thread... but only one teacher provided those. I foolishly did not pack any needles or thread and spent the entire weekend bumming off of my friends. How embarrassing! Make yourself a personal class kit that includes your favorite thread, needles, scissors, any other tools you might need or want, and a little pad and pen for taking notes or getting contact info from your new friends.

Like what you've read about AJ? Find her here: AJ's Erthe Fae

Last and not at all least - we have Jennie K. Stephens

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How to become a BETTER Student . . .STUDENT: Maureen Warland

I've known Maureen Warland for a long while now - through e-mails and of course, Facebook. She's an accomplished beader - a mother, grandmother and friend to all. Maureen has been needle weaving for over 10 years and lampworking for the last 5 years. Her questionnaire was chock-full of information about the 20+ classes she's taken up to 7/25/2011 and by reading her answers - she's had lots of practice being a student. So I am sure we can learn from her experiences!

3.       What is the AVERAGE cost of your classes (don’t need exact, just average): The average cost of the classes I take are in the $150.00 range.

4.       Do you usually take a class that supplies a KIT? I have taken both with kit and without. The project and the teacher is what motivates me and learning something new. If it is a teacher whose work I admire, I will take it . A. If not, what motivates you to take the class? (cost, teacher, friends)

5.       When you signed up for your class – did you read the prerequisites for the class or just assume you could learn once you were in the class – in front of the instructor – with the instructions/diagrams in front of you? I have always read the prerequisites for the class and adhered to them unless it is a beginners class. I have been in classes where people have done this - not had sufficient knowledge. This makes it very difficult for the instructor and the rest of the students taking the class. The instructor has to waste her valuable time, that the rest of us are paying for the teacher to teach that one person the basics of the stitch or technique involved, before that person can move forward.

6.       Did you learn the techniques you paid to learn in each class (be specific).

          A. If NOT, please tell us WHY?  I have learned the techniques in the class 100% but the problem for me lies in when I get home. If I do not go back and do the technique again the next day to reinforce what I have learned . I will have trouble going back to it several days or weeks later, especially if the INSTRUCTIONS are not very good. Good instructions are invaluable - they are worth the price of the class because you can use them again and again and expand on them.

7.       What was the best thing about taking the/a class: Outside of making the project, the best thing for me about taking a class is I always, without fail, come home with a bit of great information about beading, that I never had before. i.e. there is a right side and a wrong side to thread a needle and warming and stretching your thread over an Ott Lite bulb helps cut down on tangles (although thread has improved greatly over the years). Where to purchase components you didn't know about. Someone in the class - not necessarily the Teacher - will have some little tidbit to share, that "I didn't know that" moment.

8.       What was the MOST difficult obstacle to overcome while taking a class? Comfort is really important and a lot of classrooms buy inexpensive chairs, this to me is foolhardy, the better the chair, the longer you can bead. The table can be inexpensive - spend money on chairs.

9.       Was the fee you paid for your class – worth it and why or why not?  Some classes, the fee is well worth it and some are not. Usually it is not worth the money when the instructor turns out to not be an adequate teacher and their instructions are poorly written. The best TEACHERS are the ones who tell you that there are no rules, teach you what they know and let you create as well as learn.

10.     Adding all your classes together – to make ONE class – what could you have done better – as a student – to get more out of your class experience? Never take a class you do not have the required knowledge for, read the written instructions before you start - FROM START TO FINISH. I have made this mistake of not reading things through and suffered for it. "ha!" I have learned my lesson!!!!

11.   OPTIONAL: If you want – write some tips for others who might want to take a class in the future.

          a. Always go to the store you are taking the class from and look at the samples.

          b. Ask if you can supply your own beads if the cost of the class and kit are "too prohibitive" for you - some instructors will allow this and some won't.

          c. Make sure you have all the tools you need, appropriate eye wear and magnification with you, nothing is worse than not being able to see those pesky size 15 and 20 beads.

          d. Make sure you have a notebook and working pen.

          e. Bring a snack, a drink and get up and move during a class - this helps to keep your energy levels up. 

          f. Try to do some of what you were taught the very next day to make sure  you have absorbed the technique/information.

Like what you've read about Maureen? Find her here: Beaches Art and Crafts Show

Next we have AJ Reardon! 

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How to become a BETTER Student . . .STUDENT: Diane Whiting

I admit to not knowing Diane Whiting very well - at all. I know of her - her work - her reputation, her accomplishments as a beader. Diane Whiting is a Swarovski Ambassador and moderator at Create-your-style.com! She's internationally recognized teacher and most important to me - she's a doll! Here's Diane's student answers:

3. What is the average cost of your classes? (don't need exact, just average costs)  $60
4. Do you usually take a class that supplies a KIT? A. if not, what motivates you to take the class? (cost, teacher, friends) Yes.
5. When you signed up for your class - did you read the prerequisites for the class or just assumed you could learn once you were in the class - in front of the instructor - with the instructions/diagrams in front of you?  Read prerequisites.
6. Did you learn the techniques you paid to learn in each class (be specific) and if not, please tell us why?  Yes, I learned them all.
7. What was the best thing about taking the/a class?  The people I met (teachers and other students)

8. What was the MOST difficult obstacle to overcome while taking the class?  Sharing some of the tools and supplies.
9. Was the fee you paid for your class - worth it and why or why not?  Yes, I've made some great friends and I learned techniques that I had struggled to learn on my own (i.e. knotting).
10. Adding all your classes together - to make ONE class - what could you have done better - as a student - to get more out of your class experience?  I really feel as if I got as much as I could out of all classes I have taken. Only need more $$$ and more time to take additional ones!
11. OPTIONAL: If you want - write some tips for others who might want to take a class in the future.

a. Pay attention to the instructor
b. talk to people around you: get to know them as well as the class technique
c. remember if you are brand new to the technique you won't be perfect, so relax and take the time to learn






Like what you've read about Diane Whiting - find her here: Community at Create- your - style 
Next we have Maureen Warland on 10/16/2011.
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How to become a BETTER Student . . .STUDENT: Pamela Troutman

Pamela and I are "Facebook" friends...she graciously accepted my questionnaire challenge and was finished lickety-split. If you're not enjoying the fruits of Facebook networking - you're missing out. Here she is:

Pamela Troutman

3. What is the AVERAGE cost of your classes (don’t need exact, just average): $75.00

4. Do you usually take a class that supplies a KIT? Yes – I’m lazy and prefer to get everything in one neat package.

Bead Embroidered Elephant

     A. If not, what motivates you to take the class? (cost, teacher, friends) But I’m motivated to take classes to do something I enjoy with new friends for that day.

5. When you signed up for your class – did you read the prerequisites for the class or just assume you could learn once you were in the class – in front of the instructor – with the instructions/diagrams in front of you?  I do read the prerequisites, but rarely do they hold me back. As an advanced beader – I find myself helping the people around me (with the instructors’ blessing first). I sometimes like to challenge myself with new mediums I’m not familiar with and want to play with, but not take up as a full time hobby.

Paulette Baron class 2011

6. Did you learn the techniques you paid to learn in each class (be specific) and if NOT, please tell us WHY? This is    precisely why I take classes, to learn    new techniques.   Only once did I not  learn what I paid for (Peruvian Crochet class), though I did manage to make a  nice pendant that I’ll never be able to duplicate. The reason   was the instructor did not speak English  and his instructions consisted of photos  with no words and they were all left handed. We were promised a video, but that was over a year ago and I doubt I’ll even receive it.

7. What was the best thing about taking the/a class: I enjoy seeing how things are done first hand-live. I am a visual person and when I can examine finished examples and create one with guidance, then I’m on my way to taking what I have learned and making my own version.

8. What was the MOST difficult obstacle to overcome while taking a class? Besides not speaking Spanish (see response to question 6)…The most difficult obstacle for me is not always having the right tools. For example, I had never done metal work, so I borrowed some classmates and the instructor’s tools during the class. Patience for waiting for the tool to be available, and then not feeling rushed when someone else needed to use it.

9. Was the fee you paid for your class – worth it and why or why not? In most cases, the fee is well worth the class. If you think of the time that instructor took to create the project, test it, write the instructions, make the kits, travel to your town, deal with students who are in too deep, etc. you would realize that they often do this for the love of art, not to get rich. Only one class did I feel I should receive a partial refund on due to not receiving written or video instructions to continue future projects with all the materials I have from that kit.

10. Adding all your classes together – to make ONE class – what could you have done better – as a student – to get more out of your class experience? Bring a good light and extension cord. Take more stretch breaks. Exercise your hands and fingers for a few days before class.    

Beautiful project

11.  OPTIONAL: If you want – write some tips for others who might want to take a class in the future. I suggest the following questions for beginner students to ask instructors before signing up for a class in something they have never done:

A. How much experience in this medium is needed?

B. What are the minimum tools/supplies needed that are not in the kit, to make this a successful learning experience?

C. Will I be able to create the entire project in the class?

D. If I can’t finish the project in class, how many hours does the kit take to complete on average?

If a student asks these questions up front, they will either not take the class or not leave the class frustrated because they were not prepared.

Like what you've read about Pamela? Find her here: Star Art on Etsy
Next we have Diane Whiting.
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How to become a BETTER Student . . .STUDENT: Zura Rickman

Zura is my near-bor. If I had a really long arm - I could touch her house. I can't begin to say how much her being my near-bor means to me. Zura is a ball of life - the joy she brings to those around her is without a doubt beyond any words I have in my vocabulary! She loves to learn and she lives to create - whatever it may be -here she is

The FAB Zura Rickman

3. What is the AVERAGE cost of your classes (don’t need exact, just an average): Probably about $45

4. Do you usually take a class that supplies a KIT? No.

A. If not, what motivates you to take the class? (cost, teacher, friends)

First the subject matter, i.e. something I want to learn. The teacher influences my decision, IF the teacher is someone whose work I admire and want to learn from. But I’ve taken several classes from teachers I didn’t know, just because it was something I wanted to learn.

I am influenced by the class description. If there are a lot of details in the description that seems to indicate the teacher has spent a lot of time preparing the class and that she is excited about teaching, this is a big plus!

Repurposed Chair BEFORE

5. When you signed up for your class – did you read the prerequisites for the class or just assume you could learn once you were in the class – in front of the instructor – with the instructions/diagrams in front of you?
I read the prerequisites, always. I hate to be in a situation where I'm over my head so I pay close attention to that info.

6. Did you learn the techniques you paid to learn in each class (be specific). Not all of them.

A. If NOT, please tell us WHY?
I remember one class where the instructor didn't really teach, but rather just showed us her work. She demonstrated her doing it, but didn't really teach us how to do it.
In another one, the teacher was quite haughty about her skills and seemed to belittle students who asked for feedback so I didn't want to make myself subject to ridicule.

7. What was the best thing about taking the/a class:
Learning new techniques!! In almost every class I've learned about new ways of doing things, new materials to use, and a new perspective on old ideas. The teacher's enthusiasm is always a bonus, too.

8. What was the MOST difficult obstacle to overcome while taking a class?
Usually there are none. If the teacher isn't experienced or is disorganized it can be difficult to keep up with her, or to learn from her.

Repurposed Chair AFTER

9. Was the fee you paid for your class – worth it and why or why not?

There is only one where I felt like the fee wasn't worth it. That was the class I mentioned above with the haughty teacher.

10. Adding all your classes together – to make ONE class – what could you have done better – as a student – to get more out of your class experience?
I tend to be intimidated by people who I perceive as knowing more than me, so I think I could probably be more outspoken about not understanding things, or needing more help.

11. OPTIONAL: If you want – write some tips for others who might want to take a class in the future.
Ask around. Word of mouth is the best way to learn about teachers and their classes. Find others who have taken classes or who know the teacher and find out if she will be presenting what you want to learn.
There have been a couple of times when some of my favorite artists were teaching and I was excited to take their class, but by asking around I learned that the teacher wasn't teaching what I would have expected, so saved a ton of money by not signing up.

Like what you've read about Zura? Find her here: Zura's blog

Next up, Pamela Troutman 

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