Key Skills Exemplified

• Working with Others
  
• Verbal communication

Description

A non-assessed course-related exercise in group decision making and presentation.

Rationale

Trend prediction in industry is usually a team effort and so to develop competence in trend prediction it is necessary to practise this scenario.

Learning Outcomes

• To reinforce the idea of trend prediction.
  
• To create students who communicate effectively within a team.

Implementation

• The exercise was preceded by a lecture on trend prediction.
  
• Students were split into groups of four or five.
  
• They were provided with information on current catwalk trends.
  
• The groups were asked to discuss which looks would be appropriate for the same season next year, for a particular retailer.
  
• After 15 minutes, one student from each group presented their findings to the whole class.

Benefits for:

The Student

• Allowed engagement in active discussion for exchange of ideas among peers.
  
• Reinforced lectures.
  
• Allowed a change in teaching style.
  
• Gave students more ownership of information.

The Lecturer

• Allows the student to become the focal point.
  
• Allows interaction with smaller groups.
  
• Enables lecturer to hear individual student's ideas.

The Institution

• Varied styles of delivery create learners that are more effective and will strengthen the calibre of graduates.

Drawbacks for:

The Student

• Requires more effort than a lecture.
  
• Outcomes could depend on the quality of input from others within the group.

The Lecturer

• Requires more time than a lecture.
  
• More groups to monitor.

The Institution

• Students perceive the lecturer is not teaching.

Evidence of Impact

The groups were monitored by staff members. All students engaged in the animated discussion within their group and contributed to the findings.

Evaluation

The exercise was very successful as a way of incorporating teamwork without making it a formal part of the assessment. In future, more time would be given for discussion and feedback. Evaluation of trend prediction skills takes place in subsequent practical projects.

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