Hulk

Another resonation (for me) associated with this thread* - folk don't all learn the same ways. There still are visual/aural/kinesthetic/etc. models floating about and through the teaching and learning business, which, in my considered opinion are over simplistic, but at least allows for difference. The overwhelmingly typical is start out bein' still and quiet, listen to and watch the expert, then get on with guided practice, which matches up well with maybe a fourth of students, and alienates about a fourth as well, right off th' bat, bang.
More o' my opinion, learning models that include how folks think, how folks process, and how folks interact with others... aha! match up better with reality, See Bernice McCarthy (4-MAT) and other brain research and learning types.
Try paying attention to the how the individuals in the group react when the teaching/learning style shifts - some perk up, some are 'bout the same, some bum out. 
In the typical one mode only scenario, some of the brightest are systematically churned through, and often out.
I'm stunned how prevalent the sense based learning models still are, wow; now I feel nauseous, time to go for a ride.
*Reading this forum generates thought and reflection, thanks to all who participate!

Wider scope than visual/aural/tactile...

I like the paper, but yet another “system” to beat all systems based on some great foundational stuff and some terrible foundational stuff. I am for expanding the potential toolbox as long as other tools do not become eliminated. If the perception of 4MAT limits scope, direction, effort  or reduces trial and error for teachers the system becomes a limit IMO.

Geeze Louise-I gotta read it, hear it (even just myself saying it out loud), see it, & touch it!! Using all the tools in the tool box seems to be the best way for me to have even a miniscule chance at understanding pertinent info, let alone sustaining retention and the ability to convey the same info to someone else! What I have noticed is that while I self-perceive being fairly dependent on having to use all of the various learning styles & brain processing modes, the emphasis on (or reliance upon) one over another seems to clearly shift with the aging of Self. Not that it particularly matters-but it is kind of interesting that these days I am conscious that the need for tactile intake, for example, is superseding the need for the written word, (or images vs. an audio lesson)  when I am approaching whatever it is I am trying to learn & apply.  With clay I have noticed that I'm beginning to do a sort of juggling act of all of these elements in order to end up with a piece that works for me, and I did not use to "have to" go down that rabbit hole-the end result just came more "naturally", I think.
 

Another resonation (for me) associated with this thread* - folk don't all learn the same ways. There still are visual/aural/kinesthetic/etc. models floating about and through the teaching and learning business, which, in my considered opinion are over simplistic, but at least allows for difference. The overwhelmingly typical is start out bein' still and quiet, listen to and watch the expert, then get on with guided practice, which matches up well with maybe a fourth of students, and alienates about a fourth as well, right off th' bat, bang.
More o' my opinion, learning models that include how folks think, how folks process, and how folks interact with others... aha! match up better with reality, See Bernice McCarthy (4-MAT) and other brain research and learning types.
Try paying attention to the how the individuals in the group react when the teaching/learning style shifts - some perk up, some are 'bout the same, some bum out. 
In the typical one mode only scenario, some of the brightest are systematically churned through, and often out.
I'm stunned how prevalent the sense based learning models still are, wow; now I feel nauseous, time to go for a ride.
*Reading this forum generates thought and reflection, thanks to all who participate!

Had a great ride!
How one thinks, processes, and interact with others - see Bernice McCarthy (4-MAT) and other brain research and learning types (actual scientist types), e.g.
el_199010_mccarthy.pdf (ascd.org)
which actually clearly and convincingly support that folks learn differently (note that the focus isn't on overly simplistic see/hear/feel). The application of ideas like McCarthy's, however, isnt simple, which the Varitasium video (Bill's link) indirectly points to, but it doesn't get there.
 
 
 
 

Found myself coming back to this thread, as ideas were/are resonating, particularly, comparing/contrasting the times in my life when a) I've learned under the direct and focused tutelage of others vs. b) being in a situation where there's opportunity to observe and practice, but no direct teaching going on with me.
A few points float up from the gurgling goop o' my recollectin':
  There are many many more instances o' the latter than the former, first off.
   Second, of the cases where I was getting focused individualized instruction - whether straight one on one, or one of many where I got slices of "me" time - a subset o' those cases were actually worth a da... uhm, any good (hence, some o' were not good).
  Back to the latter, that's how my two semesters of wheel was, mostly - short demonstration, now you all try it - with one on one for those asking for help and/or obviously struggling, otherwise, left to practice and learn. I'm not complaining (in case the teacher reads this!); no, really - time at the wheel, that's what it takes. Being right there in among'm vs. being alone, though, big huge difference! I could see and hear what was working and what fails, also see and hear variation in effective technique. There's also the opportunity to examine hundreds of other people's work and progression throughout the semester. There's also the social aspect, which I miss so very much. The dust, mess, smells (I can't be around some perfumes, body sprays, hair products, and such), the time required to get back and forth, the vindictive secretly breaking stuff, the grating musical choices (I did change the channel some...), heh, don' miss that.
Well, finding a teacher whose a gonna teach ya, and teach effectively what you want to learn (and/or what you need to learn, mind, especially where want and need aren't same), that doesn't happen often in life, in my experience.
Well II, finding a situation where one may effectively learn, oh, aye, good chance o' finding that, also good chance on making that happen. The big bang explosion o' e media can be part of that. A common/group/social situation can be huge difference maker.
Any road, enjoy the ride an' please post back on what you find.

Found myself coming back to this thread, as ideas were/are resonating, particularly, comparing/contrasting the times in my life when a) I've learned under the direct and focused tutelage of others vs. b) being in a situation where there's opportunity to observe and practice, but no direct teaching going on with me.
A few points float up from the gurgling goop o' my recollectin':
  There are many many more instances o' the latter than the former, first off.
   Second, of the cases where I was getting focused individualized instruction - whether straight one on one, or one of many where I got slices of "me" time - a subset o' those cases were actually worth a da... uhm, any good (hence, some o' were not good).
  Back to the latter, that's how my two semesters of wheel was, mostly - short demonstration, now you all try it - with one on one for those asking for help and/or obviously struggling, otherwise, left to practice and learn. I'm not complaining (in case the teacher reads this!); no, really - time at the wheel, that's what it takes. Being right there in among'm vs. being alone, though, big huge difference! I could see and hear what was working and what fails, also see and hear variation in effective technique. There's also the opportunity to examine hundreds of other people's work and progression throughout the semester. There's also the social aspect, which I miss so very much. The dust, mess, smells (I can't be around some perfumes, body sprays, hair products, and such), the time required to get back and forth, the vindictive secretly breaking stuff, the grating musical choices (I did change the channel some...), heh, don' miss that.
Well, finding a teacher whose a gonna teach ya, and teach effectively what you want to learn (and/or what you need to learn, mind, especially where want and need aren't same), that doesn't happen often in life, in my experience.
Well II, finding a situation where one may effectively learn, oh, aye, good chance o' finding that, also good chance on making that happen. The big bang explosion o' e media can be part of that. A common/group/social situation can be huge difference maker.
Any road, enjoy the ride an' please post back on what you find.

Found myself coming back to this thread, as ideas were/are resonating, particularly, comparing/contrasting the times in my life when a) I've learned under the direct and focused tutelage of others vs. b) being in a situation where there's opportunity to observe and practice, but no direct teaching going on with me.
A few points float up from the gurgling goop o' my recollectin':
  There are many many more instances o' the latter than the former, first off.
   Second, of the cases where I was getting focused individualized instruction - whether straight one on one, or one of many where I got slices of "me" time - a subset o' those cases were actually worth a da... uhm, any good (hence, some o' were not good).
  Back to the latter, that's how my two semesters of wheel was, mostly - short demonstration, now you all try it - with one on one for those asking for help and/or obviously struggling, otherwise, left to practice and learn. I'm not complaining (in case the teacher reads this!); no, really - time at the wheel, that's what it takes. Being right there in among'm vs. being alone, though, big huge difference! I could see and hear what was working and what fails, also see and hear variation in effective technique. There's also the opportunity to examine hundreds of other people's work and progression throughout the semester. There's also the social aspect, which I miss so very much. The dust, mess, smells (I can't be around some perfumes, body sprays, hair products, and such), the time required to get back and forth, the vindictive secretly breaking stuff, the grating musical choices (I did change the channel some...), heh, don' miss that.
Well, finding a teacher whose a gonna teach ya, and teach effectively what you want to learn (and/or what you need to learn, mind, especially where want and need aren't same), that doesn't happen often in life, in my experience.
Well II, finding a situation where one may effectively learn, oh, aye, good chance o' finding that, also good chance on making that happen. The big bang explosion o' e media can be part of that. A common/group/social situation can be huge difference maker.
Any road, enjoy the ride an' please post back on what you find.

Found myself coming back to this thread, as ideas were/are resonating, particularly, comparing/contrasting the times in my life when a) I've learned under the direct and focused tutelage of others vs. b) being in a situation where there's opportunity to observe and practice, but no direct teaching going on with me.
A few points float up from the gurgling goop o' my recollectin':
  There are many many more instances o' the latter than the former, first off.
   Second, of the cases where I was getting focused individualized instruction - whether straight one on one, or one of many where I got slices of "me" time - a subset o' those cases were actually worth a da... uhm, any good (hence, some o' were not good).
  Back to the latter, that's how my two semesters of wheel was, mostly - short demonstration, now you all try it - with one on one for those asking for help and/or obviously struggling, otherwise, left to practice and learn. I'm not complaining (in case the teacher reads this!); no, really - time at the wheel, that's what it takes. Being right there in among'm vs. being alone, though, big huge difference! I could see and hear what was working and what fails, also see and hear variation in effective technique. There's also the opportunity to examine hundreds of other people's work and progression throughout the semester. There's also the social aspect, which I miss so very much. The dust, mess, smells (I can't be around some perfumes, body sprays, hair products, and such), the time required to get back and forth, the vindictive secretly breaking stuff, the grating musical choices (I did change the channel some...), heh, don' miss that.
Well, finding a teacher whose a gonna teach ya, and teach effectively what you want to learn (and/or what you need to learn, mind, especially where want and need aren't same), that doesn't happen often in life, in my experience.
Well II, finding a situation where one may effectively learn, oh, aye, good chance o' finding that, also good chance on making that happen. The big bang explosion o' e media can be part of that. A common/group/social situation can be huge difference maker.
Any road, enjoy the ride an' please post back on what you find.

Found myself coming back to this thread, as ideas were/are resonating, particularly, comparing/contrasting the times in my life when a) I've learned under the direct and focused tutelage of others vs. b) being in a situation where there's opportunity to observe and practice, but no direct teaching going on with me.
A few points float up from the gurgling goop o' my recollectin':
  There are many many more instances o' the latter than the former, first off.
   Second, of the cases where I was getting focused individualized instruction - whether straight one on one, or one of many where I got slices of "me" time - a subset o' those cases were actually worth a da... uhm, any good (hence, some o' were not good).
  Back to the latter, that's how my two semesters of wheel was, mostly - short demonstration, now you all try it - with one on one for those asking for help and/or obviously struggling, otherwise, left to practice and learn. I'm not complaining (in case the teacher reads this!); no, really - time at the wheel, that's what it takes. Being right there in among'm vs. being alone, though, big huge difference! I could see and hear what was working and what fails, also see and hear variation in effective technique. There's also the opportunity to examine hundreds of other people's work and progression throughout the semester. There's also the social aspect, which I miss so very much. The dust, mess, smells (I can't be around some perfumes, body sprays, hair products, and such), the time required to get back and forth, the vindictive secretly breaking stuff, the grating musical choices (I did change the channel some...), heh, don' miss that.
Well, finding a teacher whose a gonna teach ya, and teach effectively what you want to learn (and/or what you need to learn, mind, especially where want and need aren't same), that doesn't happen often in life, in my experience.
Well II, finding a situation where one may effectively learn, oh, aye, good chance o' finding that, also good chance on making that happen. The big bang explosion o' e media can be part of that. A common/group/social situation can be huge difference maker.
Any road, enjoy the ride an' please post back on what you find.

Found myself coming back to this thread, as ideas were/are resonating, particularly, comparing/contrasting the times in my life when a) I've learned under the direct and focused tutelage of others vs. b) being in a situation where there's opportunity to observe and practice, but no direct teaching going on with me.
A few points float up from the gurgling goop o' my recollectin':
  There are many many more instances o' the latter than the former, first off.
   Second, of the cases where I was getting focused individualized instruction - whether straight one on one, or one of many where I got slices of "me" time - a subset o' those cases were actually worth a da... uhm, any good (hence, some o' were not good).
  Back to the latter, that's how my two semesters of wheel was, mostly - short demonstration, now you all try it - with one on one for those asking for help and/or obviously struggling, otherwise, left to practice and learn. I'm not complaining (in case the teacher reads this!); no, really - time at the wheel, that's what it takes. Being right there in among'm vs. being alone, though, big huge difference! I could see and hear what was working and what fails, also see and hear variation in effective technique. There's also the opportunity to examine hundreds of other people's work and progression throughout the semester. There's also the social aspect, which I miss so very much. The dust, mess, smells (I can't be around some perfumes, body sprays, hair products, and such), the time required to get back and forth, the vindictive secretly breaking stuff, the grating musical choices (I did change the channel some...), heh, don' miss that.
Well, finding a teacher whose a gonna teach ya, and teach effectively what you want to learn (and/or what you need to learn, mind, especially where want and need aren't same), that doesn't happen often in life, in my experience.
Well II, finding a situation where one may effectively learn, oh, aye, good chance o' finding that, also good chance on making that happen. The big bang explosion o' e media can be part of that. A common/group/social situation can be huge difference maker.
Any road, enjoy the ride an' please post back on what you find.

Those cheap wheels that are available on Amazon and eBay are junk. We've had a couple of people come to the forum with them because they broke almost immediately. One person was kind enough to upload pictures of the inside of the wheel, and we were shocked at how poorly it was made. Save up for a good wheel. Any of the common US brands will work well- Brent, Skutt, Bailey, Pacifica, Speedball, etc.

Many people buy these and find they break right away and the 150$ spent is down the drain
As you said (essentially garbage) and I might add these does not discribe them well enough they are worse than that.
You can buy a quailty wheel and if you find later clay and yoj are a poor match sell it for nearly what you paid

I personally think they are not worth it. When you think about learning a reasonably difficult dexterous skill on a product that is likely inferior, it often adds to more frustration than learning. I am inclined to say just take a semester course and see if you like wheel throwing, on a decent wheel. If so, continue to improve your skills and use the decent wheel to learn and improve  Just my opinion though, I am not a fan of the knock off wheels for any use.

Best selling lower price point item for the amount of work involved would be my little tubs (with black walnut spoon). Mugs always sell well. Higher price point best seller are my swirl serving dishes. 
Edit: I don't get the opportunity to soda fire very often but when I do anything that comes out of the kiln fairly decent sells quickly.
  

Hi Hulk, thanks for the extensive reply! I found that exact paddle as well. My fear is that it won’t work as well since it’s not that heavy as the mallet. From what I’ve read the weight is important. 
Making one myself is going to be a challenge as I have little woodworking experience but it might be a fun little side project. 
Thanks again!

If they ship to Europe chineseclayart has this one: https://www.chineseclayart.com/Store/Search?Query=mallet
 

You could make one?

Hi Bas!
Item in question:

Pate Woodworks (Brooklyn, New York, USA) has somewhat like it.
...found several wood hammers "for clay" in Netherlands, however, with round/cylindrical striking end. Perhaps paddle would be a better search string...
Then found Xiem clay paddle
Xiem Clay Paddle L - slaghout | De pottenbakster (keramiekenglazuur.nl)
Ya, that'd be my choice, if in the market for a pre-made paddle-ish striking tool.
However, a I'd also consider making one (else, having one made), where starting with a tapered cylinder gets one most o' the way, as cutting off part of the cylinder to make the flat side would be much easier than forming the rounded part, then drilling and fitting a handle, complete with sanding and sealing, voila.

Good question!
Books and magazines/periodicals are still very much in the frame for me. Earlier on, watching others work was more important to me than now; I watched - really studied - the other students, guests, and instructors during my two semesters at the local JC ceramic lab, and spent some hours watching video clips every week. Some - several dozen - of my favourite clips, I've returned to again and again, for I'll often "see" differently after some time has passed.
Now, well, perhaps I'm well into that long stretch where time at task is the main thing.
This forum has been (err, is) a great source, and offers a sense of community. There are other forums/groups, aye, however, this one's best, imo.
"What a fascinating modern age we live in."*
- Captain Jack Aubrey
Yep.
Exactly where is the block drain on my Toyota truck - found it.
How to set up our son's wellhouse to run off his generator - found it, use a "transfer switch," aye.
   Where to find a simple transfer switch - found it, arrived at front door three days later.
   How to wire the transfer switch, how to work on the main panel safely when the sun's shining (solar array, heh) - found it.
How to change out the headsets on my road bikes - found it.
Where to find a pump for a twelve year old dishwasher - found it.
   How to replace said pump - found it.
...and so on; "the internet" is remarkable.
That said, learning with/from others, there's nothing else like it; same for opportunity to help others learn - there's nothing else like it, and no matter how much one may try to fully appreciate the opportunity when it's happening, I believe we take those opportunities somewhat for granted. 

HI,
I agree that it isn't strength, cause I'm strong and I've seen tiny women throw 25 pounds!! It it my technique. 
I read your thoughts several times and I think I am getting what you are saying. I am going to have to play some more this weekend when I have time. 
Thank you!
Nancy

I started with books and teachers 50 years ago
For me videos on ceramics are mostly just entertainment these days
 

I go both ways...books and videos. Since I got into ceramics a little more than 10 years ago, I've accumulated over 50 books on the various aspects of pottery, about a third on just glazes since that's what I think makes a pot. For me, it's part of the learning process. Videos have also played a large part in my learning and understanding of the field along with the 3 community college courses I've taken.  Like Tom says..." learning with/from others, there's nothing else like it; same for opportunity to help others learn - there's nothing else like it, and no matter how much one may try to fully appreciate the opportunity when it's happening"...I totally agree! Been there, done that and look forward to continuing in the future!

@Hulk, Fantastic, Ceramics Bro!
 
 
best,
Pres