Got an email from someone asking if I could teach a week-long 2-d animation/cartooning class. I had to turn it down because I don't think I'm good enough or know enough principles to teach others...
Do you think YOU could teach an animation classss?
Me- an animation teacher???
Moderators: Víctor Paredes, Belgarath, slowtiger
As someone who has taught a lot, the actual question isn't whether you know enough about animation to teach, but if you know enough about how to teach to teach.
It ain't how much you know about a subject -- the old classic example was the learned professor who was asked to teach a subject he didn't know and he spend his prep time learning each week just enough to keep ahead of the students.
Granted, that's someone who is *very* good at teaching, but I think anyone who animates stuff AND can teach could teach a class on animation -- at least as far as teaching the students to animate as well as they can themselves.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, even someone who is an expert at a subject can be a very poor teacher indeed. Teaching is all about communication, and is a skill like anything else. You can learn how to teach, and you can get better as you teach, but it's far easier to learn the subject than it is to learn how to communicate the knowledge to others.
I've taught all kinds of courses, on all kinds of subjects, and the ones I have a passion for are by far the easiest to teach. And I also find I learn quite a bit about the subject I am teaching -- a hallmark of a good teacher (you are *always* learning).
So... bottom line is that if you think you have what it takes to teach you will find it rewarding in all kinds of ways. You'll become a better animator, a better teacher, and definitely help others in unexpected ways. I highly recommend it.
It ain't how much you know about a subject -- the old classic example was the learned professor who was asked to teach a subject he didn't know and he spend his prep time learning each week just enough to keep ahead of the students.
Granted, that's someone who is *very* good at teaching, but I think anyone who animates stuff AND can teach could teach a class on animation -- at least as far as teaching the students to animate as well as they can themselves.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, even someone who is an expert at a subject can be a very poor teacher indeed. Teaching is all about communication, and is a skill like anything else. You can learn how to teach, and you can get better as you teach, but it's far easier to learn the subject than it is to learn how to communicate the knowledge to others.
I've taught all kinds of courses, on all kinds of subjects, and the ones I have a passion for are by far the easiest to teach. And I also find I learn quite a bit about the subject I am teaching -- a hallmark of a good teacher (you are *always* learning).
So... bottom line is that if you think you have what it takes to teach you will find it rewarding in all kinds of ways. You'll become a better animator, a better teacher, and definitely help others in unexpected ways. I highly recommend it.
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Darramouss
- Posts: 96
- Joined: Fri May 23, 2008 2:34 am
- Location: Melbourne, Australia
I agree with you, mkelley. As long as you have the ability to teach, including strong communication skills, and a good grasp on the content, you'll be fine.
I've conducted quite a few training sessions at work, some have been week long courses, and quite often I've found communication to be the number one factor in a successful session. Also important is the ability to discern how your students best take on information. Some love a hands on only approach, others love vast amounts of theory. Most will fall somewhere in between. If your group is small enough you may be able to cater to the needs of each student.
Me, I know how to use AS Pro but I also recognise the fact that my knowledge pales in comparison to some of the knowledge fonts on this forum. Even so, I think I could teach it. I also recognise that my art isn't the best, either, and that any student who has a gift for art could show me up!!
I've conducted quite a few training sessions at work, some have been week long courses, and quite often I've found communication to be the number one factor in a successful session. Also important is the ability to discern how your students best take on information. Some love a hands on only approach, others love vast amounts of theory. Most will fall somewhere in between. If your group is small enough you may be able to cater to the needs of each student.
Me, I know how to use AS Pro but I also recognise the fact that my knowledge pales in comparison to some of the knowledge fonts on this forum. Even so, I think I could teach it. I also recognise that my art isn't the best, either, and that any student who has a gift for art could show me up!!
Sheer will is my greatest talent - Sledge Hammer!