Pre course Teaching and Learning ideas
The best learning environment that I’ve came across is the learning that goes on in creative and making workshops in which there is a contextual/theoretical start, a group discussion and demonstration followed by independent student design/making practice, learning and evaluation. I think that involvement of group analysis and constructive criticism is important during lessons for feedback and confidence. For example showing the class an interesting or well thought out response by a student. I believe that creative learning gives students a chance to independently and collaboratively create original ideas and to think ‘outside of the box’. I feel that young people learn in different manners and this should be catered for as much as possible within the educational environment. From experience I have found it more difficult to carry out more practical tasks with primary school students (aged 8).
I believe that Design and Technology is an invaluable subject in the curriculum. It educates young people as future consumers within their community. Environmental issues, production work/workers, materials and resources are considered and discussed within the D&T curriculum which I feel is essential to prepare young people for the modern world. Cultural studies, cultural influence and making are investigated in D&T which I feel is important. Not only this, D&T gives students the chance to learn independently as with most design concepts there is not one correct answer - that’s in the back of the book. This quality of D&T gives students the chance to independently problem solve and to express themselves.
As well as the creative approach there is a definite technical side to the subject which in areas overlaps with other subjects, such as Maths Art and English, and demonstrates to young people that learning from other areas can be applied within D&T. The use of CAD and CAM helps students understand new technologies and the making from computer 2D design to 3D prototypes and products. The use of digital technologies within society is ever growing and I see this as an important practice for students. Introducing software used in the graphic design and textiles industries is also something which I see as important for schools and colleges to undertake. Getting students used to industry standards will help prepare their skillset for after school/college life.
In conclusion the deliverance of lessons should be target based - by looking at what you need the outcome of the lesson to be and how best you can achieve that whilst catering for all the students in an engaging and stimulating manner.
