Here are a couple things to consider when selecting a woodworking school, class, or seminar. First, ask yourself why you want to take a class. I find that there are four reasons woodworkers take classes:

1. To build a the specific project (i.e.: I want to walk out with the project completed or as much as possible).
2. To meet and study with the instructor (i.e.: not so much concerned with the project, as you are with picking the instructors brain and understanding why and how they do things).
3. To learn a specific skill or technique (i.e.: how to veneer or cut dovetails).
4. Some combination of the first three-I find it’s usually a combination of 2 & 3.

Next, now that you understand why you’re taking the class, you can better evaluate a school or instructors likelihood to meet your needs. I find the best way to do this is to answer the question “Are you renting the instructors time, or leasing their knowledge?” To reveal the answer, look at these questions:

• Do the instructors give out their contact info-phone number and email for post class communications?
• Do the instructors host a website or blog?
• Do the class materials include a student guide with references, procedures, and documentation of material covered in the class? You’ll learn more if you can spend your time watching and listening to presentations or making shavings and sawdust instead of focusing on trying to jot down what is said for future reference.

Usually the best way to answer these questions is to seek out and talk with those who have previously attended the school or class.