Hi, I am in the process of running a signwriting course at Northumberland College of Further Education as part of a 7307 teaching cert. So far I have constructed the course myself with help from all the books currently available. Being a working signwriter I feel O.K with the practical aspects, but I would really appreciate any info. on courses that may be run elsewhere. THANKS & "GAN CANNY"
I worked at the place linked above, they look after the signwriting studies for a large part of the industry over here. Enjoy, David
------------------ D.A. & P.M. Fisher Signwriting Brisbane Australia da_pmf@yahoo.com
Posted by Jeff Lang (Member # 336) on :
Michael Gray, Try Gerry Fitzgibbon at the F.A.S. Training Center in Cork, Ireland. He, along with Declan Newman, Len DeLaCour(sp?) are currently teachers there. You can contact him at: thebadge@indigo.ie
------------------ Jeffrey P. Lang Olde Lang Signs Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 412 732-9999 oldelangsigns@msn.com
Posted by Michael Gray (Member # 1941) on :
THANKS FOR THE ABOVE. YES, SORRY FORGOT TO MENTION THAT IT`S NORTHUMBERLAND, UNITED KINGDOM. I SUPPOSE I`M NOT QUITE USED TO THE SCOPE OF THE WWW. ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR THE COURSE STRUCTURE OF A SIGNWRITING COURSE WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED.
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Posted by Bruce Jackson (Member # 45) on :
I recently took on a project to write two modules for tertiary education that taught me a lot about training. One module was on surface gilding for signs, the other on glass gilding.
While I haven't done any formal teaching, it was a very interesting and instructive project to do. These modules are part of a national program to develop educational material for training, primarily in the building and construction industries. The modules were written under the direction of the Australian National Training Authority
It showed me how important it is to follow a procedure in writing them.
First, the performance criteria were identified by an industry body (sign industry respresentatives). In other words, what needs to be learned by the student to be able to do the task to a satisfactory level.
Second, A format or outline for the modules was designed to cover the identified performance criteria. It took on a basic structure, describing the tasks to be learnt, tools and materials, safety, preparation, carrying out the task, clean-up, assesment.
Third, where I came in, actually writing the technical content that describes the process in sufficient detail that it can be used as a resource by any instuctor and cover everything the student will need to know.
Each module was over 50 pages with lots of graphics to illustrate the text.
Fourth, it went to an editor for stylistic assessment. Fifth, to a technical editor to ensure the content covered the original performance criteria.
I don't know whether it has been actually published yet but they will become the resources that are made available to any registered training authority (colleges and universities) who takes on the training of these particular modules within Australia.
MANY THANKS EVERYONE. THANKS ESPECIALLY TO BRUCE JACKSON FOR YOUR INPUT. I WILL HAVE TO FIND AND RESEARCH THE SORT OF STANDARDS THE INDUSTRY EXPECTS IN OTHER AREAS OF THE U.K. AND ABROAD. AS FAR AS THE SIGNWRITING INDUSTRY GOES IN THIS AREA, I AM IT ! THE PAINTING AND DECORATING DEPT. AT NORTHUMBERLAND COLLEGE ( WHERE I AM CONSTRUCTING THE COURSE ) HAS LET ITS TEACHING OF SIGNWRITING LAPSE FOR ABOUT 10 YEARS, HOWEVER THERE ARE MANY RESOURCES FROM THE OLD DAYS - GILDERS CUSHIONS - GOLD SIZE-KNIVES - POUNCE WHEELS- BRUSHES - ETC. THE STUDENTS ARE MAINLY YOUNG UNEMPLOYED, BUT ARE SURPRISINGLY RECEPTIVE TO HAVING A SIGNWRITING BRUSH SHOVED IN THEIR HANDS. THANKS AGAIN A JOURNEY OF 1000 MILES STARTS WITH THE FIRST STEP
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Posted by Bruce Deveau (Member # 1600) on :
Hello Michael, I attended Butera School of Art in Boston, Massachusetts, USA back in 1977, and returned to teach the night course in 1985. Butera was the only school of its type at the time that I knew of...that is, it had a free standing, two year sign course as its primary offering. As a student and teacher, I believe I learned a bit about sign education, even though I taught from their manual. It's been quite a while since I taught lettering, and I miss it. I would be glad to correspond with you about my experience. Feel free to email me if you wish. Best Wishes, Bruce Deveau
------------------ Bruce Deveau 331 Main St. Amesbury, Ma USA 01913 pop04667@tiac.net
