Since the peer review I have been reflecting on how to build awareness of the specialist machinery and their uses amongst the student body. Currently we display posters by each machine type, showing samples and imagery of garments from previous graduates who have utilised the machines effectively in their work.
I had a discussion today with one of the final year print students, as they had asked whether we had a machine that can attach denim buttons. After informing them about the machinery I asked if there was any way we could improve students’ consciousness of the different techniques and equipment they can access, as we already offer pointers to the machines and describe their functions to the students in their first week of university.
The student felt that they only became aware of or asked for machinery as and when they needed it. As they have never made jeans or a denim jacket, they have never needed access to such equipment. They did suggest that there could be projects with more specific briefings that incorporate the use of specialist equipment, for example a denim project or a leather accessories brief to incorporate more
Nicholls explains “If (the) aim is not achieved, if teaching and learning experiences are not devised early in the course to provide the necessary experiences, students will not be able to demonstrate their assumed learning outcomes. ‘ g nicholls 65 “ I believe this highlights the importance of establishing student knowledge early in their university education, allowing them the experience of using specialist machinery and the plethora of applications.