This study identifies the current need for teachers to be aware of the potential demand upon them for job retraining and offers one possible approach to the problem of adjustment to new teaching assignments through the use of a self-directed learning (SDL) plan. The study is based upon the writer's five-year experiences in which she designed and implemented a SDL plan in ceramics which would enable her to teach ceramics at the secondary level. The main characteristics of an SDL plan, the process of gaining skills and knowledge, and the evolution of the ceramics program are discussed. Visual and verbal examples are included to document important procedures and processes. Conclusions are offered that SDL is a feasible, practical and flexible learning approach that has benefits for both teacher and student learners. Conclusions are that SDL can be adapted to others' needs in that the plan can be modified to be used in a number of subject areas. / Education, Faculty of / Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of / Graduate

Plates of ceramic samples to accompany a thesis studying the suitability of five clays from the vicinity of Denton, Texas for use in high-school ceramics classes. The abundance of natural clays in Denton County and throughout the state of Texas, the ease with which clays may be obtained, and the ease with which they may be refined for use provide almost unlimited teaching possibilities in high-school art classes. This study of five Denton County clays has proved informative in several respects. It has shown that within the vicinity of Denton there are clays that are suitable for high-school use. Although all these clays may be suitable for one technique of pottery making each may not be suitable for all techniques. Many clays may be used after refining by a simple, quick process without the use of expensive and complicated equipment. Simple glazes, which have an aesthetic as well as a utilitarian value, may be compounded to fit these clays.

The purpose of this study is to determine the suitability of five clays from the vicinity of Denton, Texas for use in high-school ceramics classes. The abundance of natural clays in Denton County and throughout the state of Texas, the ease with which clays may be obtained, and the ease with which they may be refined for use provide almost unlimited teaching possibilities in high-school art classes. This study of five Denton County clays has proved informative in several respects. It has shown that within the vicinity of Denton there are clays that are suitable for high-school use. Although all these clays may be suitable for one technique of pottery making each may not be suitable for all techniques. Many clays may be used after refining by a simple, quick process without the use of expensive and complicated equipment. Simple glazes, which have an aesthetic as well as a utilitarian value, may be compounded to fit these clays.