Notes For Creative Writing Pedagogy

First class out of the way of the semester, and I'm starting to feel a real and solid affinity for this whole instruction of the creative word. Let's face it, most of us have had very poor experiences with those so called able to construct and lead writing workshops. Then again, we've all had issues with those individuals who have told us they can lead. However, in the terms of running a workshop I'm finding that some one needs to play the role of leader. Simply put, there is clear need to have the person charge have the ability to show their expanded knowledge of craft to be able to flex some muscle. There are good writers and bad writers. Most of it has to do with craft, although let's face some people may just not be able to writer (In much the same way I'm unable to say play golf worth a damn).
The whole point here is that 1960s-70s model of the instructor that becomes part of the members of the workshop and fails to show either guidance or strong criticism, is failing his students. How can you progress as a writer if you aren't told your doing something wrong? Yes confidence places a role in the matter, but individual confidence will only improve with individual success. How can a writer achieve individual success without improving their craft? Bottomline here is that teachers should do what their suppose to do: teach. Give good grades, but also give bad ones too. Not everyone deserves an A. They all should work for it and prove their merits in the craft. Oh, and read Stephen Minot's Creative Teaching for Creative Writers