Teaching Beyond the Curriculum
Abstract
This paper presents a case study conducted at the University of Gloucestershire, focused on enhancing employability and fostering lifelong learning in Graphic Design through a comprehensive assessment review process. The study was initiated in response to module evaluations and National Student Survey (NSS) feedback, highlighting areas for improvement in assessment practices. Our Graphic Design BA Course has achieved notable success in terms of graduate employment and industry recognition. However, this paper aims to reflect and refine assessment processes to align them better with the demands of the design industry. The research begins by evaluating existing assessment processes from the student perspective and identifying areas for improvement. It then employs a multi-faceted approach, drawing insights from self-reflection, collaboration with colleagues, student perspectives, and relevant theoretical literature. A core objective is to introduce industry-relevant terminology into assessment processes to enhance students’ preparation for the professional world. Through student consultations, pedagogic research, presentations to colleagues, industry contact consultations, and ongoing student feedback, we established the importance of reducing the number of learning outcomes while connecting assessment criteria to industry terminology. This has culminated in the introduction of the Successful Steps to Employability and Life Long Learning’ (‘Steps’) assessment proposal. As the number of Learning Outcomes reduce over the levels of learning, more industry relevant language is gradually introduced to show clearer student progression into the creative industries. Students expressed improved clarity about their progression through the course as we bridge the gap between study and industry through our “Steps” assessment terminology and structure.
Claudia Brewster (FRSA) is the Academic Course Lead for the Graphic Design BA Hons and Creative Advertising BA Hons Pathways at the University of Gloucestershire. Claudia is an internationally exhibited, award winning Designer. She was previously a Junior Fellow for the Design Cluster, University of the West of England (UWE) and an Associate Lecturer at Bath Spa University. In industry, Claudia was Head of Design at a highly recognised VR Company, where she was involved in UI/UX Design. She was also an Experiential Creative, working with high profile brands worldwide.
Cat is an award-winning multidisciplinary designer and educator with over ten years of industry experience, and is keen to use this experience to inspire the next generation of designers. She is an early career researcher, and is exploring both pedagogic research as well as design-led research across different projects, and she sits on the research ethics panel within the University of Gloucestershire. In industry, Cat’s disciplines include branding, packaging, web design, social media, experiential and editorial design, and she has valuable experience and insight into working with clients worldwide, combining idea generation, strategic thinking, art direction and copywriting.