One thing we are focusing on is creating test tiles. Beginning students each cut 12 test tiles. The took 6 of the tiles and left them smooth. The other 6 were imprinted with a texture stamp. They labeled one set 1-6A and 1-6B.
Now that they are bisque fired, they are trying different glaze combos. They are laying 1-3 glazes on each tile. And, what they do to 1A, they do to 1B so after glaze firing they can see how the texture could possibly effect the glazes and how it breaks, if it breaks at all.
And, of course, they are taking notes on what colors they use and how they apply the glaze. They are taking notes not only for themselves, but for their peers as well. The plan with these test tiles is to have the class share tiles so they have many choices. Maybe someone else created something awesome. They will glaze their spheres from one of the group of test tiles.