Read this article, if you are searching for a visual art or digital multimedia academy, which can prepare you for your career such as an NID / NIFT entrance or a professional courses to enhance your current skills. Keeping in mind the time and money involved, choosing the right institute is a vital decision. For every institute which you are considering, we recommend you to explore answer to the following questions –
Is the required information available on the institute’s Website?
Information related to scope, duration and price for various courses / services should be available on the website. During your research, you should find most of the answers on the website. In case you want exact details, speak with the faculty and the students of the institute. It is a great idea to check the institute’s rating and reviews on Google Business and testimonials.
What experience does faculty carry?
The faculty plays the most critical role in deciding an institute. Ensure that the faculty has good artistic skills, a creative bent of mind and excellent teaching abilities. Cross check institute’s website and check the faculty’s and student’s portfolios. If possible, talk to the students in-person and take their feedback about the faculty and institute. Choose a faculty, who has at least 10 to 12 years of teaching experience.
What is the student/faculty ratio in the classroom?
Art is a peculiar subject, where learning significantly varies from person to person. If you can afford it, choose a one-to-one teacher/student ratio for best results. Anything beyond 1:5 teacher/students ratio is not advisable, because the class room environment can never be homogeneous. For one-to-one sessions, the typical rate for an experienced instructor will be 35 USD to 45 USD per hour.
What are the content of the course?
Course modules and topics covered, should be well defined, along with the tentative time-lines. Try to understand the breadth and the depth of the topics in a course, which suits your goals. Make sure that the pace of the course is neither too slow nor too fast. As a common practice, sometimes the course duration is unnecessarily stretched to justify the high fee structure.
How expensive is the course?
Cost associated with the selected course should be neither too high nor too low, which usually depends upon student teacher ratio and facilities available at the institute. Explore installment options and see of the payment can be deferred. Since art supplies are very expensive, do ask if the cost of art supplies is included in the fee.
What is the learning / teaching methodology?
In visual art, teaching methodology plays an important role in the learning process. A good methodology reduces the learning curve, increases the retention and success rate. Check if the option for online classes is also available. Explore if there is an option for a free art class which can give you an idea as of how system works.
What infrastructure and facilities institute has?
Ensure that the premises is at a safe and approachable location. The environment should be conducive and the classroom should be equipped with all the required facilities. Make it a point to visit the class room and check the facilities, tools and technology beforehand.
Can I have an option for flexible timings?
To increase your productivity, you might want to check if there is an option for flexible timings.
Is the institute registered and accredited?
Check if the institute is accredited and/or registered with any local or foreign universities. Certificate and letter of appreciation, from the faculty and institute will be an added advantage.
