Not that we have many were-students, but I wanted to clarify how Mikhail teaches his class. I never like...posted it before in a clear manner and Mikhail's English is...not so good.
Anyway. The course periods (beginner, intermediate, or advanced) are really just for students to come to class and work independently or ask questions. Mikhail gives a few lectures, but considering his English he tries to do as few of those as possible. Instead, he walks around the room (kind of like in an art class) and assists students who may be having problems. His method of control is, plainly, calming the beast within. If you've read his logs with Sydni, you may be aware that he is a meditative and visual controller.
Beginner classes mainly focus on adjusting to being a new were, beginning to understand his concept of control, and having any and all questions they may have answered. Private sessions outside of class are mandatory for all students and attendance to class will be marked. He does take the roll and will know if your kid is not in class. More than 3 absences will result in one very disappointed Russian professor. Tardiness is not acceptable.
Intermediate classes continue with his concept of control as well as beginning to seriously create the background in which your kid will mentally live at peace with the beast. (Ex: Mikhail imagines a wide scape of snow back in Russia, where the land is known to both himself and his beast.) It's really like finding your "Happy Place." There will also be theory discussions and sparse lectures. The floor is generally open for question. In some cases, Mikhail will dismiss class early, but this will be rare. Attendance is mandatory and he will mark you absent if you don't show for class. Tardiness is not acceptable. Students will have private sessions with Mikhail twice a month and will have scheduled these meetings with him at the start of the class season.
Advanced classes are by no means done with his lessons. Mikhail still practices his own method himself. Class will be open to questions, as are all others, but be used especially for student time to work with him around if they need help. Mikhail will give very few lectures and expects every student to be practicing outside of class. Scheduled meetings once a month for check-in are mandatory.
Materials for class: Notebook Pen/Pencil Self Music player (optional)
Starting this semester Mikhail will be introducing a new element that was suggested to him by an NPC. (oh ho, look at me go with NPC usage.) A student asked if she could listen to music while doing her focusing. Mikhail told her no but later thought about it and has decided to give it a shot. In the coming game week he will post a homework assignment that will be due on the FOLLOWING Monday in game. Feel free to start thinking about it now.
Assignment: Create a musical play-list of music that you find comforting or calming. Focus on how you or your beast may react to certain pitches and tones. Compile at least ten songs to listen to during your meditation.
Mikhail suggests classical music because it can be the most calming, but it really depends on what the student likes to listen to. I'll be writing up Mikhail's list when I have time and hopefully he can post that to give as an example for students who may not understand. He, however, does not listen to music when he meditates. He prefers the quiet and imagining the animals in nature.
Students may use "the sounds of nature" if they desire.