Studio Reflections 1

Wednesday 4th November 2009
Today was the first of two pre-arranged studio reflection workshops with the first year students. The aim of this workshop was to discuss with the students their thoughts, worries and ideas relating to tutorials and reviews and to discuss how they could get the most out of these experiences.
The timing of this workshop was unfortunate in that it was the day before the first years had to submit a piece of work. Their stress associated with this deadline was apparent from the poor turn out and from those who did attend, from the look on their faces! Despite this I think those who did attend the workshops felt they benefitted from the informal nature of the discussion.

In small groups we (myself, Jonathan Shaw and Jonathan Millard) asked the students of their experiences of tutorials and reviews so far. There were a range of responses including enthusiasm for the tutorial as being a great time to progress with your work and ideas. One student even suggested that a system where they could have a mini tutorial as and when they needed it would be hugely beneficial for pushing forward with their work. A permanent tutorial post where students could go for advice.
In contrast, one student recalled an experience where her group were completely demotivated following a last minute tutorial before a presentation. She was clearly angry about the effect one person could have on the group morale and told how their reaction was to ignore the tutor's advice. At the start of the session this student was more than reluctant to get involved in our workshop which perhaps stems from her bad experience of the tutorial and subsequent lack of confidence in the mentoring system.
Whilst some students were keen to participate in the discussion, others were timid and reluctant to contribute unless they were asked a direct question. Before the next Studio Reflection workshop I think myself and the Jonathans should consider other ways to interact with the students to ensure they are all getting the most out of the session.