Pottery, Wheel, and Handbuilding Technical Standards

Purpose Statement

All students in the Pottery, Wheel, and Handbuilding classes are expected to meet certain technical standards which are essential for the successful completion of all phases of the program, and which reflect industry requirements and standards. To verify the student’s ability to perform these essential functions, students may be required to demonstrate the technical standards below.

Meeting these technical standards does not guarantee employment in this field upon graduation. The ability to meet the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for any certification exams or successful completion of the program.

 

Technical Standard Definition of Standards Examples
Critical Thinking/Problem-Solving Skills Ability is sufficient to follow directions, analyze components, and complete assigned projects.
  • Receive, interpret, and correctly complete assignments and the required sequence of events.
  • Ability to problem-solve, ask for and make use of guided instructions, and follow through.
Interpersonal Skills Abilities are sufficient to interact with individuals from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
  • Demonstrate sufficient emotional health to perform under stress, exercise good judgment and promptly complete all tasks.
  • Provide feedback to the instructor to ensure a clear understanding of the instructions and demonstrations provided.
Communication Skills Abilities are sufficient for interaction with others in verbal form.
  • Ability to comprehend instructor’s directives.
  • Ability to respond with answers and/or questions about classroom needs.
  • Provide and follow directions from other members of the class.
  • Demonstrate active listening skills.
Coping Skills Ability to maintain a state of harmony.
  • Solves personal and interpersonal problems.
  • Minimizes stress and conflict.
  • Balances internal needs and external demands.
Mobility/Motor Skills

Physical abilities are sufficient to move in one’s environment with ease and without restriction.

Fine motor abilities are sufficient to provide safe and effective wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques.
  • Be able to lift 5 lbs. of clay onto the wheel and participate in activities.
  • Operate an electric, speed foot-controlled wheel.
  • Place, stabilize, and balance up to 5 lbs. of clay while learning to center clay on the spinning electric wheel.
  • Ability to wedge clay and form demonstrated pieces to complete specific techniques necessary to complete the projects.
  • Ability to use a power drill to mix glazes in a 5-gallon container and dip projects into glazes as specified by the instructor.
Auditory Skills Auditory abilities are sufficient to follow the instructor’s instructions and work effectively and safely.
  • Discern the instructor’s direction in a lab environment.
  • Ability to discern and understand the instructor’s instructions from 15-30 feet away.
Visual Skills Visual ability is sufficient for observation and assessment necessary to complete assigned projects.
  • Ability to see the instructor’s demonstrations on a TV monitor from 15-30 feet away.
Tactile Skills Tactile ability is sufficient for project assessment.
  • Discern differences in clay consistencies and learn which consistency (wetter, drier) is needed for the task at hand.
  • Differentiate between clay pieces that are too thick or too thin to fire in a kiln.
  • Ability to discern the appropriate thickness of the project.
Environmental Ability to tolerate environmental stressors.
  • Practice standard safety precautions.
  • Ability to stay focused, and work independently on a multi-step project for two and one-half hours, taking breaks as needed.
Emotional/Behavioral Emotional stability is sufficient to maintain composure in stressful situations and assume responsibility/accountability for actions.
  • Ability to learn the art and value of giving and receiving constructive feedback as an important means of growth in the field.
  • Demonstrate honesty and integrity.
  • Adhere to the Code of Classroom Conduct and participate in the learning process, especially after making mistakes or experiencing disappointment.

 

In the case of an otherwise qualified individual with a documented disability, appropriate and reasonable accommodations will be made unless doing so would fundamentally alter the essential training elements, cause undue hardship, or produce a direct threat to the safety of the patient or student.

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is invested in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Support Services is part of Student Services and is located in the K. Ray Bailey Student Services Center. For detailed information or to request accommodations visit Support Services. An appointment is recommended prior to enrollment in order to discuss any special concerns.