MODULE 2Design for Learning

Task: To re-write an existing module in order to add value to the student learning experience.

Chosen Module / Unit – Drawing Techniques & Approaches

- Unit 1 of 7 core units

- Btec / Edexcel Higher National Certificate / Diploma in 3d Design

- NFQ level 5 (1 year certificate) or level 6 (2 year diploma)

- Unit 1 is the first unit of three units taught to students in first year:

Unit 1: Drawing Techniques and ApproachesUnit 2: Historical and Contextual ReferencingUnit 3: Properties of 3d Materials.

- 10 week first term and 5 weeks of term 2 - 3 core units, along with smaller projects, covering some specialist units (choice of 9 out of 20)

- Full time students – 4 hours per week – 60 hours total

- Part- time students – 3 hours per week – 45 hours total

- Part-time students must make up extra 15 hours in own time.

Aims and Objectives

The key issues with the teaching of this unit which have proven unsatisfactory are the lack of teaching hours available to part-time students and the course content.

I propose to re-design the existing module descriptor and most importantly, re-structure the lessons, to allow more time to topics of greater importance. The existing module/unit description is good, but the content does not align to it completely.

Module Content Time allocation

part-time (45 hrs) full-time (60 hrs)

Colour Theory 26% 17%

Sketching 10% 15%

Technical Drawing 33% 25%

Rendering Techniques 13% 15%

Perspective Drawing 6% 15%

Model making 6% 7%

Presentation Skills 6% 6%

Summary of learning outcomes

To achieve this unit a learner must:

1. Comprehend the specific nature and qualities of drawing media and materials

2. Demonstrate creative use of drawing techniques and processes

3. Develop and extend understanding of visual language

4. Evaluate work for further development.

Outcomes Assessment Criteria for Pass

1. Comprehend the specific nature and qualities of drawing media and materials To achieve each outcome a learner must demonstrate the ability to:- research and record specific qualities of various media in own and others’ work - produce a range of competent work showing use of various media in traditional and non- traditional ways

2. Demonstrate creative use of drawing techniques and processes To achieve each outcome a learner must demonstrate the ability to:- present a juxtaposition of concepts, subjects, techniques and materials through a range of work.- show originality and innovation.

Outcomes Assessment Criteria for Pass

3. Develop and extend understanding of visual language

To achieve each outcome a learner must demonstrate the ability to:- apply materials in a range of work to express a personal/ emotional response.- manipulate formal elements in a range of work to evoke emotional response.- critically analyze others’ work.

4. Evaluate work for further development

To achieve each outcome a learner must demonstrate the ability to:- produce a range of evocative, expressive work for development.- prepare work for presentation.- analyze and evaluate own work in terms of creativity through discussion.

Problems with the Current Course Content1. Too much time is spent on colour theory – 7 sessions total.

2. Colour theory is not a good introduction to design, with other aspects

being more important.

3. Not enough time spent on sketching – especially part-time students.

4. Students have to sketch at home and get feedback.

5. Not enough time spent on perspective drawing – for part- time students.

6. Not enough time spent on technical drawings especially with ink pen.

7. More time required to explore different drawing/rendering media.

8. More hand drawing would be encouraged in students’ project work than

always relying on computer software.

9. More time required for location sketching.

10. More time required for group work.

11. More time required for visits to galleries / exhibitions and showrooms.

12. Part-time students expected to practice in their own time out of necessity.

Changes to the Current Course Content1. Time spent on colour theory reduced to 3 weeks and prioritized for usefulness.

2. Colour theory’s importance reduced, with other aspects being as important.

3. More time spent on sketching – especially part-time students.

Students have to sketch at home and get feedback, but more class work introduced.

4. Time spent on perspective drawing increased– for part- time students.

5. More time spent on technical drawings especially with ink pen.

6. More studio time introduced, to explore different drawing/rendering media.

7. More hand drawing encouraged in students’ project work, than always relying on

computer software.

8. More time allocated to location sketching.

9. More time allocated to group work.

10. More time allocated for visits to galleries / exhibitions and showrooms.

11. Part-time students expected to practice in their own time out of necessity.

This will not change and is the nature of being a part-time student.

12. Summative assessment omitted, using formative projects and essay type assignments.