Doc_02 | Workshop Instruction Handouts
As an experiment in determining the best way to introduce and explain a practical workshop to my students, I recently decided to use printed handouts instead of using the presentation screen.
The initial reasoning for exploring this direction was due to situational factors, specifically regarding technical issues with presentation screens when working in locations other than the rooms I generally work in. By creating a physical handout I was able to remove any potential for disturbances in the flow at the beginning of the class.
I have noticed on the occasions that these kind of situational factors have occurred, it has immediately effected the students behaviour and their ability to focus on the eventual task required of them.
So, based on this I created a series of instructional hand-outs for existing workshops which were handed out to the class before a practical demonstration. This also offered me an opportunity to be creative in my presentation, which was enjoyable for me, but I also noticed that the students responded well to the alternative approach and visual medium.
Reflection
What I noticed in the removal of the screen is that the students are closer in proximity and focused on following the demonstration. This less formal approach also created a more open dialogue allowing the students to feel comfortable in expressing their queries and interest in the process.
Another positive I took from this approach was that once the introduction was concluded, the students could use the handout as a reference and so had more autonomy in working through the process without having to question the teached at every stumbling block. As the handout is also created with a visual aesthetic relating to the end result, the students also have an idea of what they are working towards and there is no ambiguity.
The main drawback to this approach was being unable to share supporting imagery with the students. In a practice which is primarily informed by visual research it can be useful to share inspirational images to provide the students with context about the process as well as the result of the techniques.