TEACHING as a business venture

Walter & Group...

Gary Kell explains his answers.  My brief comments in his text in itlics :

Gordy....

 

I had two specfic goals listed in paragraph before the overall common goal.  A knowledge goal and a casting or specific achievement goal too -- is that what you mean??.  I'd actually call these  "objectives" as they more measurable as in achievements.  I believe goals are generally broad statements of puprose .... have fun, learn about fly fishing or fly casting etc.  Objectives are more specific achievements combined to reach your overall goal.  You could have several specific objectives and some overall objectives - like I stated as the Knowledge Objective and the Casting or Skill Objective.  There is obviously a specific objective for each teaching/coaching moment which could be stated. 

 

You are correct, as I see it.  We didn't differentiate between goals and objectives.  As you point out, they are not the same.   G.

 

I have found in planning schools that the objective for each "teaching moment" is not always to have the student "learn" and is not always the same for each teaching moment you do.  Sometimes the objective is to "inform" the student about the topic. For example in the class Dennis proposes,  one teaching moment could be on "knots".  Because of time constraints etc.  rather than teaching the basic knots and having each students "learn" to tie them you could have an objective of "informing" students of the importance of knots, demo tying them, and reference material for learning to tie them at home.  

 

Yes.  I have done that.  The idea is to inform the students of what can be accomplished and then give them the information to follow up with self teaching or additional instruction using the "tools" we've provided   

 

Your example of the knot tying session is a good one.  Almost impossible to have a group of students actually become proficient in tying a series of knots during a single session.  I show them "how" they are tied, give them pointers on practice, and indicate the reading material they can study so they can teach themselves.      G.

 

In some shorter or larger schools I've done the objective of the overhead cast may not be to have student "learn" the cast but to "experience" casting.  I do this sometimes in an Introductory Fly Fishing Class where I have 12 students and only 4-5 hours to cover all aspects of fly fishing.  I want them to expereince how the rod feels and how casts are made but don't have time for coaching each nor time for iterative practice and self discovery.  I then suggest a Casting School at a later time just for those who actually choose to pursue fly fishing. 

 

Interesting approach.  Something to be learned by that.   G.

 

Gary

 

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From Rick Brown :

 

 

Hi Gordy, I have thought  through a similar exercise with Al's group and there are a couple of points I would like to make.

 

First, IF the MCI is being  financially compensated then I would assume that the CI's would also receive some payment. If so, no one has mentioned any discussion of how much and when the CI's would get their share. Not doing this beforehand could lead to some bitter feelings.

 

Second, in the informal meeting with the students, I would suggest passing out 3 X 5  index  cards so that the students could put down their contact information and most important, their individual goal (what they want to achieve from the class). With this information the MCI could follow up to find out if the student's  goal/s had been me. If not ,then why not, and that could lead to further instruction or a better understanding of how to do a better job of conducting the class the next time.

 

best, Rick

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Rick,

 

My presumption is that the assisting CCI's would receive payment unless the course director (Master, etc.) has made specific alternate arrangements.  This is part of the business end of teaching.

 

Dennis and I have agreed that we will avoid getting into $ amounts.  This will vary a great deal depending upon the percieved stature of the course and its director,  country, area, prevailing fee structures, costs, likely financial picture of the students and the market in general.

 

Your idea on a feedback system is a good one.  Many ways to do that.

 

Gordy

 

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From Jerry Puckett :

 

Gordy:

 

When teaching I always try to remember names and for the most part have been able to do so.  One reason for name tags is so everyone present has a chance to learn other people by name to foster a learning community!   May not be necessary if folk already know each other, but an option never- the- less!

 

Got to love Sir Dennis, from experience at the Conclave, I was very, very, fortunate to learn from him.  Yes, he did call me by name!   Does wonders for the learning process!

 

Thanks,

 

 Jerry

 

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Jerry ....

Another way of holding a class without using name tags, is with the self introduction of each student at the start of each course coupled with student participation in discussions as each is recognized by name.  Often I do that by hosting that introductory session myself.  After each student gives a brief thumbnail sketch of him (her) self I then address that student by name as I ask a question or two.  ( Helps me and the other students get to know the names. )

It goes something like this:  Student Jane Doe introduces herself and says she fishes in Wisconson.  Instructor: " Well, Jane, what sort of fishing do you do there ? ".........................

I, too, have learned a great deal from Dennis over the years.

Gordy

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Timely question from Don Pendleton :

Gordy and Dennis,

 

Could we back-up just a bit and address the insurance topic?  Would a typical insurance liability waiver suffice?

 

Anyone ever bought an insurance policy to teach casting?  What would be a typical cost for group or private teaching?

 

Don Pendleton

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Don ....

After your question came to me this morning, Dennis and I communicated .  We both felt it is wise not to quote costs, since this will vary tremendously from area to area and is partly dependent upon the insurer's opinion of the risk exposure.  

 This is Dennis's answer with my editing upon which we've agreed :

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Subject: Re: Insurance

Hi Gordy

 

 

There seem to be far less liability claims in Canada than in your country. But that doesn't mean it wouldn't happen. We have all students sign a waiver that was drafted by a legal firm absolving ourselves AND our instructors etc. etc. also over and above our normal property insurance we carry  additional liability insurance to cover the school . In general we have stopped classes on the river due to insurance costs, only the spey classes where students sign an additional waiver, and a PFD is required. No one under the age of maturity can sign up for  an 'on the river spey class'. 

 

We used to make up lunches here but our insurance company said our insurance premium was to increase .   We have a menu for students to choose and sign from the local "Tim's" (donut, coffee and sandwich shop) come back individually wrapped with the menu signed and attached. We don?t touch the food. We are also required to show water test results and offer safety glasses, we require anyone under 16 to wear eye protection. We have gloves for younger children to avoid hand blisters which often occur to tender hands. And absolutely NO FLIES or even cut hooks, no metal at all.

 

Our insurance does not cover us off the property, so classes we hold elsewhere are always under the sponsorship of an organization, school, club, or business where they collect the money and carry the responsibility. 

 

Last year we were inspected again by our insurance carrier as they were concerned about injury to people not registered for the class !!  Not likely this would happen but we advise any bystanders they cannot be in the area.

 

To the best of our knowledge as long as we keep students out of 'harms way' we are taking reasonable care.

 

Even if you are found innocent in a law suit it still is going to cost you money.

 

Instructors should be aware that if they charge or not, liability exposure must be addressed.

 

We probably have some legal members of the forum who can enlighten us further on this subject and it undoubtedly will apply differently in other countries

 

Dennis 

 

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Gordy

 

Insurance will cost, if only for one day. You are wise to know beforehand and can at least recover the cost.

 

Dennis 

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