Additional Teaching Avenues, or, Æcademy Æxtras
Not all teaching occurs within the walls of a classroom, and classes aren’t the only educational activities that can happen at an Æthelmearc Æcademy and War College. Following are suggestions of additional ways to share knowledge and learning at an Æthelmearc Æcademy and War College.
Depending on interest, space, and staffing, these activities can provide showcases for artisans. Clearly, additional activities require more staff, which is important to keep in mind while planning. It is up to the autocrat and the activity coordinator to determine what will work best for the host group, since what is effective in or of interest to one group might not be to another.
Artisans’ Row
- This format is where participants are actively doing their art or science and bring additional materials to share with anyone who wishes to learn a hands-on skill.
- This format is extremely good not only for those who learn best by seeing how a particular thing is done, but also for kinetic learners, who learn best by doing.
- This activity should be located in a highly visible area with plenty of space for people to circulate easily.
- The amount of space needed depends on the number of participants. Ideally, no one would have to share table space with another participant. However, if space is limited, two participants could share a table. Participants should be notified in advance how much space to expect.
- Sufficient tables and chairs for participants, plus a registration table with 2 chairs, are needed for this format.
- Asking participants to register in advance helps ensure that sufficient table space will be available.
- The room’s floor covering should be considered, as this affects whether — or what type of — demonstrations can be permitted.
- Site rules, such as those concerning open flames, must be followed.
- One or two staff members can easily run this activity. An hour before the activity is scheduled to begin, staff members should be on hand to direct participants to their tables and assist with set-up, if needed. If the activity is scheduled to last more than 2 hours, it is a good idea for a staff member to circulate among the artisans and offer to spell those needing a short break.
Artisans’ Forum
- This format is where participants sit at a table and display their work. Displays may include in-progress pieces as well as finished pieces. Documentation is always a good thing!
- Because this format doesn’t promote active engagement, it is more effective in introducing to viewers a selection of different skills that they may wish to learn about and follow up later.
- Anyone with questions is welcome to strike up a conversation with the forum participants.
- Floor coverings generally do not need to be considered since the artisans are displaying finished products rather than a process.
- Space, equipment, and personnel requirements are similar to those listed under Artisans’ Row, above.
Artisans’ Display or Competition
- This format is where artisans may display their work (hopefully accompanied by documentation) but are not present to answer questions. Often, comment sheets are placed next to displayed items to allow viewers to communicate with the artisans.
- Because this format doesn’t promote active engagement, it is more effective in introducing to viewers an art form or an artifact that they might wish to learn about and follow up later.
- If desired, the display may become a competition by asking viewers to vote for a favorite item or use specific criteria to select a winning entry.
- This format requires less space because no one is seated behind or beside the tables. Fewer tables – depending on participation – will probably be needed as well.
- Since artisans do not need to stay with their displayed items, it is a good idea to have one or two staff members nearby at all times to keep an eye on things.
- Floor coverings generally do not need to be considered since the artisans are displaying finished products rather than a process.
- Otherwise, space, equipment, and personnel requirements are similar to those listed under Artisans’ Row, above.
“Look What I Made!” Display
- This format provides an opportunity for people who took hands-on classes during the day to show off what they’ve made. Throughout the day, as folks finish class projects, those who wish to participate bring their projects to the designated display area.
- As for space, a table in the hall, with an identifying banner, is all that would be needed for this.
- Index cards and pens for jotting down the creator’s name, the title of the class in which the item was made, and the teacher’s name would be useful.
- Asking teachers of hands-on classes to encourage students to display their pieces would be a good way to promote participation.
“Ask-A-Laurel” Table
- This format provides an opportunity for people to ask questions, engage the knowledge of, and/or speak with members of the Order of the Laurel.
- It would be helpful to have a member of the Order of the Laurel to assist with the organization of this.
- This activity should be located in an area that is easily accessible yet somewhat quiet to allow for conversation.
- The space needed for this is one (or two) 6′ table(s) with a minimum of 4 chairs. (Two for Laurels “on duty” and two for folks who are conversing with them.
Written by Meesterees Odriana van der Brugghe and Mistress Alicia Langland