I’ve taught consistently since May. It’s my first year running classes from my shop, with all the preparations to get my space ready for visitors happening before that first class. And this week I’m at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship teaching Windsor chairmaking with Eric Cannazarro. I have teaching on my mind.
Teaching requires clarity, both of the subject and the presentation. I’m constantly thinking about the way I share information with a combination of brevity and fullness. It’s a hard duo to hit - brevity and fullness - and it takes practice to refine. There’s been plenty of opportunities to refine my presentation through the different classes this summer.
I have great (and embarrassing) memories from instructing over the past 17 years. Some have to do directly with the woodworking. Others not.
(For some reason this post has the format of “This American Life.” I don’t know why…but I’ve leaned into it instead of running away.)
Today, a story in four acts. All around woodworking classes.
Act I: The Canadian and the Alarm Clock
Act II: Imposter Syndrome
Act III: Angry about Clamps
Act IV: Delicate Negotiations
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