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Resource:How to establish a series of pop-up classes that focus on bringing hands-on learning experience to students, staff, faculty and community members

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== What is a pop up class? ==

Pop-up classes are short workshops which provide students with the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities not found in the typical curriculum. These classes are not offered for college credit but allow students to learn new material while encouraging design thinking. Pop-up classes are offered for a variety of different topics, formats, and skills. In pop-up classes, collaboration is urged and, in stark contrast to conventional education, innovation is more important than instructions.

== Why are they useful?==

Some advantages of pop-up classes are:

<li>flexible hours</li><li>easy to jump into</li><li>not a big commitment  (even busy people can do it)</li><li>quick way to learn or practice something</li><li>can be tailored to accommodate wide ranges of people or specific groups</li><li>relaxed atmosphere</li><li> </li><li>easy to set up</li><li>easy to run</li><li>can be cheap (to organize/run)</li>

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== How do I pick a topic?==

Your topic should cater to your audience, allowing them to branch out of their usual studies.  For example, you might teach a group of business students about basic graphic design principles.

Additionally, keeping your audience in mind, the difficulty of material and assignments should be within the grasp of the group.  Don’t attempt to teach 5th graders multivariable calculus and don’t attempt to teach engineering grad students about buoyancy with tin foil boats.  They may have fun, but the goal is for people to learn something new.

== How do you go about running a class? ==

Running through the plan in advance  is important. The first time you do the workshop should not be the actual event. Practice before hand.

At the end of activities strive to present what each group completed and expand on those thoughts with constructive feedback.  A common occurrence is having more questions than you can answer in the end. The host should stay after and try to answer some of these questions individually with attendees.

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== How can I find available resources?==

There are many different places to look for resources for use in the class. For example:

<li>Many cheap craft supplies, like popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, and glue can be obtained from local craft stores</li>

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<li>Recycled paper, bottles, cans, and other common items can be repurposed</li><li>Local libraries, college buildings and groups, and makerspaces may have resources on-hand for public use</li>

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In addition, there may be other people on campus or in the community who already do workshops and pickup classes, so you could offer to teach one of those. Look for community colleges, public libraries, college clubs, and other organizations, and offer to pitch in!

Jordanwdunne

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