When I was asked to teach the class a big concern was how to let the students develop their style while critiquing them. Turns out that it wasn’t as hard as I’d thought it would be and I enjoy the styles of them all.
You are so right, Lady. Each student has his/her own talent (I believe God given). It is up to the teacher to give helpful hints, but the student will develop his own direction, if allowed (and encouraged.)
This style of teaching was not permitted when I majored in art at college. We all had to make our paper or canvas exactally like the professor’s or the student got less than good grades. IMHO, many talents were shattered in that workshop.