Class Design Tips
There are two main types of classes that we find are successful:
Comprehensive Skill Classes: These classes are designed to teach someone a skill or set of skills in a thorough, comprehensive manner. They may be multi-class series, or longer one-time classes, or they may thoroughly teach just one or skills from a larger skill set. The focus of these classes is on learner mastery. The people who tend to take these classes already know they are interested in learning the skills, and want someone to teach them everything they need to know to acquire the skills. An example of this type of class is our Beginner Crochet 5-Part Series - all the foundational beginner skills are taught over 5 weeks.
“Taster” Classes: These classes are designed to introduce learners to the skill with a small, easily learned and completed project. These classes are not comprehensive - they offer a “taste” of the skill without too much time or commitment from the learner. The focus of these classes is on learner fun. The people who take these classes are not yet committed to learning the full breadth of the skills. They are taking the class either to find out if they like it, or just to have a one-time experience. An example of this type of class is our Embroider Your Shirt class - only one or two embroidery stitches are taught, and the embroidery designs are small enough for everyone to have success during the class.
Both of these types of classes can be valuable and lucrative. When designing your classes, be sure to think about which type of class you are designing. The focus of your class (mastery or fun) will greatly impact your design.
You may be more drawn to one type of class rather than another - that’s ok. We don’t all have to teach both types of classes, and not all skills and disciplines will work with both types of class. Stick with what you’re passionate about.
Tips for designing Comprehensive Skill Classes:
Think like a learner
Begin by putting yourself in the learners shoes. If you were trying to learn the skill you will be teaching, what is everything you would need to have and need to know?
For example, learning simple embroidery techniques:
I need a hoop
I need fabric
I need a needle
I need floss
I need a design on the fabric
I need to thread the needle
I need to perform the backstitch
I need to tie off when I run out of floss
Break the skills down
Once you have the main skills down, break them down into subskills to ensure your teaching is comprehensive. Think about not only what knowledge and skills the learners need, but also what decisions they will need to make. Some of the skills will have overlapping subskills
Continuing the example from above:
I need a hoop
Where to purchase a hoop
What size do I need
How to open the hoop and put the fabric in
I need fabric
What types of fabric are suitable
How big should it be
Where to purchase
I need a needle
What types of needle are suitable
What size should it be
Where to purchase
I need floss
What is embroidery floss
Embroidery floss vs sewing thread
How many strands to use
How to separate the strands
Where to purchase
I need a design on the fabric
Where to get designs
How to transfer to fabric
I need to thread the needle
How long to cut the embroidery floss
How to separate the strands
How to keep the floss on the needle
How to tie a knot
I need to perform the backstitch
Where to start on the design
Which direction to stitch in
The psychomotor skill of performing the backstitch
I need to tie off when I run out of floss
When to tie off
Where to tie off
How to tie off
Limit the scope
Once you’re satisfied with the depth of the skill and subskills, limit the scope of the skills taught to ensure you have an appropriate amount for:
The time you have
When imparting a lot of information or for learners who are brand new, 2 hours is usually the longest amount of time that is useful. Learners often start getting tired and check out at around 2 hours.
The age of the learners
The prior knowledge of the learners
Learners who have no prior knowledge/experience can absorb less new information in a session that learners with some or a lot of prior knowledge/experience
It is better to have more sessions and impart less knowledge in each session than to have sessions that overload the learners. Retention suffers when too much information is imparted at once.
Select a suitable project
Select a project that is achievable for the level of the learners, and that covers the skills you would like to impart. Ensure that the learners can complete the project in a reasonable amount of time, especially for beginners.
Plan multi-session classes appropriately
Classes that are multi-session need to be completed within a time-frame that makes sense for the skills being taught (i.e., our Beginner Crochet 5-Part Series is weekly for first four sessions, then there is a two week break between the 4th and 5th classes for the learners to work on their final project. This class would not work as well if the classes were held once a month, or multiple days in a row).
Tips for designing a “Taster” Class:
Focus on the experience
The emphasis of this type of class is fun - make sure your class design is tailored to make it an enjoyable experience.
Learners often come to these events with their friends or to make new friends. Allow for plenty of time for your learners to just make together.
“Bite-sized” Skills
It’s important to give learners a real taste of that skillset/craft, while also making the experience low-pressure. Usually selecting the simplest skills you can impart is best.
Select the right project
The project should be selected carefully, as this is often the deciding factor for learners who are attracted to this type of class. Make sure it is an approachable project, easily completed within the time of the class. Learners often want to show off their completed project at the end of this type of class, and often don’t want to have to complete it at home.
Think about connections
Connecting these classes to an upcoming holiday or event, such as “Hand Sewn Christmas Ornaments” can be a popular and fun option.