GabiJack.com

My family adopted a puppy a couple of months ago. He’s a sweet and easy going dog, but given that he’s supposed to be an indoor dog, it was quickly obvious that he would benefit from some training, and so would my carpets and the rest of the family. I’ve had many dogs in the past, but I’ve never actually trained any dog before.  So we decided to take one of those puppy training classes at the pet store. We were promised that in only eight weeks our puppy would be completely trained or we would get another eight weeks for free. Well… we are in week six and, so far,  the puppy will seat for a goldfish cracker and… well, that pretty much sums up all his repertoire of tricks. OK, he also comes when called, but that he really didn’t learn from the class. We practice at home from what the instructor says we should do and what’s written in the handouts, but it’s hard to tell if we are doing the right thing or not, since the instructor really never demonstrates with a dog or even watches what the “students” do. See, this lady teaches the class inside a very busy store, right there by the food aisle, on one side of the pet clinic. Dozens of dogs (not enrolled in the class) pass by all the time, making it really hard for the dogs enrolled in the class to focus, and, if that wasn’t bad enough, she keeps bringing more dogs (big and aggressive dogs) to the class every session!  I know I’m not the only one who isn’t very satisfied with this class, and I often wonder if this is typical of any other dog training program. Perhaps, I would’ve been better off buying a book or a video, instead!

Anyway, back to the world of SolidWorks, which is what you came to this blog to read about. This situation with the dog training got me thinking about SolidWorks training. Not that we train for kibble (at least I hope we don’t ever have to),  but with all the different materials and options for learning available out there, I couldn’t help but wonder… what makes you decide on a taking a class, rather than grabbing a book or video and teaching yourself? What is really the benefit or the added value that you expect to find in the class?  I mean, sometimes the benefit is obvious, like obtaining a degree after completing your training or education, or having access to technology and resources that otherwise would be out of your reach. Sometimes, there really isn’t another way to learn, like in the case of training in the use of machines and equipment, welding techniques, etc. But let’s say you already have the technology and resources you’ll need (a seat of SolidWorks ), and knowing the only way to get a certification is by passing the test, anyway, what would make you want to take a class?  What is the extra that you can’t get from a book or video?  And, in case you decide for the class, what would make that class an excellent class for you? Would you rather be in a small group? Are you expecting a lot of structure? Would you be content with a class where everyone does exactly the same or would you rather be in a class where the teacher takes the time to challenge each student individually, according to his/her abilities? Would you feel safe in a class that goes “by the book” or would you expect each day to be a new challenge?  Would you rather take a class that teaches you exclusively how to use each command or be in a class that integrates SolidWorks in other areas of design and/or engineering?

I know, too many questions…  But I really want to learn, because I hope someday to become an educator. In fact, not so long ago, I already had my first try on a short education project, and I really enjoyed it. I hope more opportunities like that one will come my way in the not so distant future, and so I want to learn what the needs and expectations are in order to do a good job.  This blog is good for experimenting and researching, you know?  So, please, take some time to leave a comment and share your thoughts on this.

2 Responses to “Proper training”