After being inspired by the ‘Objects Based Learning’ lecture, I wanted to trial run an idea that I had for my first – year Footwear students, some of which have had very little experience with research and design development.
The Structure
Please see the short video positioned below for an overview of the slides that I produced to support my microteach session.
Prior to the session, the participants has been asked to bring with them an object that represented their identity in some way.
Introduction: I began by introducing the participants to the general premise of the micro teach, but didn’t want to write too much, as I didn’t want them to feel vulnerable, nervous or apprehensive about the task. I also didn’t want them to pre-think and plan what they were going to do, as I felt it would be more advantageous for them to be spontaneous.
Part 1: 1 requested that the participants described their object in words for 5 minutes. This was inspired by the exercise that we did in the Object Based Learning lecture previously.
Part 2: I requested that the participants spent 5 minutes drawing their chosen object in front of them. This was to teach them to look and observe smaller details.
Part 3: The participants were finally asked to spend 5 minutes drawing a new object based on the exercises so far and the object in front of them. This models the process that designers take everyday in the creation of new products or details on products inspired from selected research, or simply what’s around them.
The Results
My Notes and Observations
- Seemingly participants enjoyed the session.
- Some participants were nervous as doubting their ability to draw – I think it was good not to tell them this in the first instance, so nerves didn’t get overwhelming.
- One participant expressed a feeling that they wanted to do a good job of the drawing element as she thought we might be showing the work.
- One participant expressed how much she enjoyed it and how it’s made her feel like she’d like to be a designer.
- I think it would be helpful in my ‘live’ session with students to go through the learning observations at the end – get them to feedback.
Peer Feedback
- Good that this was done as a team exercise and that we were doing the same thing collectively
- Interesting and unexpected output.
- Great exercise for online space – where there is trust – it felt like a safe space.
- Unexpected links or questions.
- Creatively connecting the item to something else.
- Could make use of padlet ai to create object into something else (I intend to play with this in own time).
- Some people might prefer to know what’s coming / want to feel more prepared.
- First writing task – 5 mins too long – would be good to reassign some of that time to end so we can all show / share our work.
Conclusions
Overall, I felt that my session had been a success, with some really helpful feedback regarding how to run the session. I intend to give my students a bit longer on the drawing stage and less time on the writing stage as discussed, as well as time for celebration and reflection of their work.