A Handbook for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Enhancing academic and Practice

356 ❘
Teaching in the disciplines
Case study 2: Developing students’ personal and
professional skills through active learning
Stage two students in the Textiles Department at Chelsea College of Art and
Design, University of the Arts London, have the opportunity to show their work
alongside professional companies at the high-profile annual international textile
trade fair Indigo in Paris. This professional practice-based project gives students
an insight into the commercial world of textiles within a global arena. The course
values this experience for the students highly, but organising and preparing for
it has in the past placed a huge strain on the departmental staff. The staff team
considered ways that students could take on responsibility for some of the
planning and organising of the project, giving them not only responsibility but
also a real experience of organising the event, something that as professional
designers they would have to do. The opportunity to encourage teamwork was
also welcomed, as textile students often work in isolation.
The department initially looked at all aspects of the project from planning,
preparation, organising and production and split this into seven tasks.
From these, students were asked to assign themselves to work on one of the
teams.
• Fact-finding about Paris
To compile a Rough Guide to Paris with maps and essential information for
all students.
• Exhibition and site management
To take responsibility for portfolios, presentation and mounting the
exhibition.
• Sales and PR
To oversee the sales and public relations of the show.
• Exhibition design
To design and produce a team brand/identity for stand, backdrop and
graphics.
• Documentation
To record and document the event prior to, during and after the event. To
record student feedback and compile a newsletter, Après Indigo.
• Database and archives
To build a database of existing and new clients and industry contacts.
• Project
To write a design brief and present it to peers.