While a tool kit of basic teaching techniques can translate into effective teaching in any classroom situation, the studio class, by its very nature, involves additional pedagogical considerations. A characteristic central to the studio class is teaching through example, then “letting go.” Often the studio professor will give demonstrations, show slides, or give examples. Then (s)he will work with students one-on-one and talk individuals through problems. Professor Robin C. Douglas from the Department of Art and Design at UIUC, shares these additional guidelines:
- Be open to a variety of ideas: Be versatile. The studio class is not like some classes where there is one right answer. Be prepared to see “many right answers.”
- Encourage experimentation: Instructors bring a different discourse to the studio class. It is a discourse designed to encourage experimentation, to allow students to learn from mistakes, and to apply what they learn in one session to the next.
- Have a wealth of knowledge: Not only do instructors teach, explain, and demonstrate, but they must also be able to critique, advise, and guide students so that their creativity can lead to success. Instructors need to see possible problems where students may not and be able to guide students to find their own solutions rather then giving them the solutions.
- Relate what you do in the classroom to society: Learning and creating is not done in a vacuum but relates directly to the world outside the classroom.
- Gain respect and trust: An indispensable feature of a studio class is student participation. One of the most successful ways to encourage and achieve participation is to create an environment of trust. Here are some proven ways to accomplish this:
- Know your students: Go beyond knowing their names. Inquire about their interests. Try to get a handle on their personalities-who is shy, who is insecure, who is outgoing, etc.
- Make conversation: Arrive early or stay late so you can engage your students in conversation.
- Show you care: You do this with body language, eye contact, as well as by being available to answer questions.
- Be consistent and fair
- Admit when you are wrong
- Make critiquing a valuable and accepted part of the class: Another key aspect of most studio classes is the critique. Often projects are evaluated in group settings so students can learn from each other. There is an art to constructive feedback. The following factors are essential:
Studio classes challenge students to be creative. In fact they sometimes challenge students to work beyond their knowledge base when the instructor guides them through the process in such a way as to expand on that base. When this happens, students learn simultaneously how to learn and how to apply their knowledge (Thompson, 2002). Studio classes also challenge instructors to think of ways to contribute to the development of skills and creativity in their students. By honing the special tools needed to teach effectively in the studio environment, instructors may find this type of class one of the most rewarding.