Often selecting training in glass can be like a lottery. It most commonly is done through propinquity and incidental knowledge, such as choosing a course because information came to hand of a class that is being held nearby. However, these are not always the best criteria. It may, for example, be more effective to travel to a course that fits your needs better.
To help you determine if this is the case, here are the top things you should check to help determine whether the course being offered is the one for you.
Does it Interest You?
The first area of course, is whether the instruction will meet your interests. Yes, the title has caught your attention, but you also need to find out if the syllabus covers your area of interest adequately.
01 Inquire about a syllabus or teaching outline. If there isn't one available, you may have a question on whether the course is well planned, as well as whether it deals with your interests.
02 Ensure the course level is appropriate to your needs. Are there any prerequisites in terms of experience or ability? It is important to chose the right course for your level of skill because this not only effects how you perform in the class, but it can also have an impact on the teaching of others in the class. For example, a beginner enrolling in an advanced course can slow the whole class down by asking questions that should have been covered in intermediate courses - and as a result the course syllabus may not be completely covered and your fellow students may become annoyed. So it's a balance here between ensuring you know enough to take the course but also pushing yourself to new limits.
Who Are You?
Another important element in selection is the person who is leading the course. The course organiser may bring in a teacher for this subject, so you need to know some things about both organiser and teacher. Some of the things you might want to find out are:
03 What is the background to the organiser?
04 Is the organiser providing materials or is the teacher?
05 Is the course held in a centre of excellence?
06 Is the course organiser an accredited education provider?
07 Is the course organiser a studio owner or artist?
08 What is the course organiser's history or experience in providing training courses?
Some to the things you should ask about in addition to the teacher’s identity are:
09 Who is the teacher?
10 What is known about her/him? Is there a CV available?
11 Are the examples of the teacher's work available to view?
12 What experience does the teacher have in art development in general and in using the technique(s) being offered?
13 What length of teaching experience does the person have?
Comparing Apples for Apples
Having satisfied yourself about the instructor(s) you need to begin comparing course offerings. With the usually limited hobbyist and artist budgets, price is always important; however, you also need to know what value you are getting for the price you are paying. So me of the things that affect price and value are:
14 Tools – are they all included, or do you have to provide your own?
15 Materials – are the materials included in the price or do you buy as you use?
16 Equipment – is the use of all the machinery and facilities included? What is excluded?
17 Food – are meals included and which ones? What refreshments are available?
18 Length of instruction time – how many days are involved? What are the hours of instruction? Are there any extensions of instruction or working time?
19 Numbers – what is the expected teacher to student ratio? This will affect the amount of time you receive from the teacher.
20 Accommodation – if relevant, is it included? Is there any assistance in obtaining accommodation? You should also find out about booking, deposits, cancellation conditions, and when payment is due.
Location, Location, Location
Another element relevant to selection is the premises in which the course is to be held.
21 Are the premises general educational accommodation? Does it meet local authority classroom standards?
22 Are the premises purpose-built for the relevant activities?
23 Is the instructor’s studio being used? What space is available?
24 Location – is it near or easy to get to?
25 Time - are the days convenient? Is the time of the day appropriate?
26 Duration – how long are the sessions?
All You Need Are Friends
The final important element in selection is the evaluations by past students. These can be difficult to get, and if supplied by the instructor, are open to doubt.
The best source of evaluation is direct contact with past students. It is important to ask friends and other people in the field about the course being offered.
Documentation about the course is also helpful in getting a feel about what is being offered. This might include information about the instructor(s), description of course, dates, times, cost, information on level of instruction, location, travel, facilities, and accommodation. It is unlikely that you will get the best fit in every category. You will need to make compromises on various elements, so it is important that you think about what you want from the course.
Finally, if there are one or two elements that you feel are important but not covered, you should contact the provider and ask about whether any accommodation to these requirements are possible.
