Abstract
A successful design critique is neither solely the responsibility of the faculty leading it or the student participants, nor based only on the design prompt or artifact that is presented. A critique is an evaluative practice for all members, including the facilitator. Faculty members, usually the drivers of the critique, are rarely held accountable during the process. As part of a faculty learning community at a mid-Atlantic university, design faculty across several disciplines, including Fashion, Art & Design, and Landscape Architecture. examined the topic of critique to improve our learning outcomes and better engage our students. One method we instituted is “peer observation/ participation” where faculty take part in and provide feedback on each other’s critiques. The group collaboratively developed a method to clarify our goals and guide observations of one another during these critiques. We also developed a annotated bibliography of foundational literature, examining a range of topics, including the critique environment, jury composition, engagement and encouragement of discussion, student preparedness and professionalism, and the project framing and evaluation. Observation provided the opportunity to explore whether a critique was truly serving one’s overall educational goals and supporting student success. Through this holistic practice, faculty model a culture of curiosity and lifelong learning and show that the critique experience is an ever-evolving process for all who participate. Outcomes of this process have been a renewed sense of responsibility to our students for creating a positive learning environment, a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration, and documentation for promotion and tenure purposes.
Presenters
Anna WikAssistant Professor, Landscape Architecture/ Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware, Delaware, United States Katya Roelse
Instructor, Fashion and Apparel Design, University of Delaware, Delaware, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Methods of Observation; Design Pedagogies; Educational Design
