Hello Lorenzo - your last note made me realize that as much as the teacher needs to be prepared and aware and clear with directions etc, the student too has some responsibility. In most classes I’ve taken, and definitely where I’ve taught, teacher has and I’ve always said that chiming in at any point, to ask a question or clarification, is totally okay. Obviously those rude comments in person would not be okay but we can say, “hold on, can you show me that move again from 2d to 3d?” Or “can you slow down?” Or “please repeat that move?” Or whatever. If someone doesn’t understand something and doesn’t say it, and the teacher misses it because there are 25 ppl in class, that’s a shame. But we can all definitely learn how to say something critical - and to improve a situation kindly - without being a rude troll like in those internet comments.
Beyond that, being in a class where it’s too complex for where one is at in origami is also something a student should be aware of —- and in the past, in those situations, I’ve offered to teach the person solo after the class —- just so the class could continue and complete the model. Laura —- what you said about precision in folding and how assembly line method gives you that —- i have no argument there. That’s a great point —- & What one does at home is not at issue. But in a class, where we’re learning model for the first time, following sequence of folding with teacher really helps. This could be related to paper size —- maybe a note to start with 8” or 6” squares before attempting 2” squares. Following teacher re: whether kami or foil or heavily patterned paper makes sense or not. Sometimes creases marks or guide creases aren’t visible on patterned paper etc. if a new student ignores such notes, they might not be successful in folding model. I’ve also drawn attention to handedness when we fold certain modulars —- it’s not a big deal to go clockwise when the teacher is showing counter clockwise but if you’re easily confused by seeing something that would be mirror image to what you’re folding, then fold per the teacher and go counter clockwise. I also sometimes don’t use shortcuts like “fold a waterbomb base” — firstly some may not know the terminology and/or the fold & secondly, more importantly, there are different ways of getting there and maybe in this model, not all creases are needed etc, —- so even if students thinks they know how to fold a particular step, following the teacher would help. (Many of my student notes are from my experience where i didn’t follow the teacher exactly… haha!!!) This makes me think about yoga class where let’s say, we’re practicing sun salutations or warrior pose or something that we’ve done before and so we think we know how to do it. And then when the teacher says something slightly different than what we’ve learned before, sometimes ppl don’t follow the teachers instructions but do the pose the way they’ve learned it before. I’m glad a teacher once pointed that out and instructed us to follow the instructions —- even if they were different to what we had learned before. (Of course I’m not talking about situations where you might be unable to do a move or you’re in pain…) this is more about being present and following instructions… Michael —- thank you for sharing more videos and I’m gonna watch. I think i know what that secret folding trick Yami taught might be but I’m definitely curious and will watch! Best, Vishakha . On Oct 5, 2025, at 06:26, Lorenzo via Origami <[email protected]> wrote: In her presentation at the 50th BOS anniversary, Sarah Adams said that she received some fairly negative feedback on YouTube: We usually don't expect that in person during a workshop, but that doesn't mean people don't think that. I myself have sometimes had pretty bad experiences and thought bad things about the teacher 😀 Lorenzo
