@Christine and Jon,
I think you are always going to get students that are a mixed bag
unless they're in an entire programme that is very specific, which is
really only the case in a small percentage of institutions. Most
interaction design courses I've ever taught on are part of broader
programmes and sometimes students are there because it's a mandatory
course/module, not because they want to be.
Although I'm slightly wary of pigeon-holing too much, I do feel that
there a number of types of student persona and appropriate responses:
1. Students that are great and want to be there. It's easy to either
fawn over them or, paradoxically, ignore them somewhat because they
don't need so much handholding. I think it is important to give them
attention and push them far, because that enthusiasm and ability
should be nurtured. But they are, by default, often the easiest and
most rewarding to teach.
2. Students that are enthusiastic but not that great. Again, I feel
the enthusiasm is something to nurture. I'm as happy to help someone
move from A to B that is really hard for them as I am for a hot
student to get to Z because its easy for them. Happier actually. I'm
less concerned by innate talent (something I don't subscribe to) than
the willingness to learn and get into it. I think this is what you
were saying, Jon, right?
3. Those that just want to do the stuff, get a pass and move on. Not
a lot of enthusiasm, but they do the stuff averagely and want/need to
pass the course to continue. I find these the biggest challenge to
teach. Sometimes a lot of energy can go into trying to motivate people
who really aren't that bothered, but it's hard to tell if they're not
bothered because they don't get it (and I need to change teaching
strategy) or because they don't care.
4. Students that don't want to be there and aren't interested. I used
to be really worried about them. I used to feel personally wounded
that they didn't like my discipline/course and, maybe, didn't like me.
Then I remembered that there are plenty of subjects I used to dislike
at school but had to do. It's not personal. Obviously you can try and
win them over, but I think you expend an inordinate amount of energy
on those people (because it feels personal) than you do on the first
three categories. Better to spend the time on the people that want it.
Like any design project, though, asking the students what they want
and like and hate and observing their own processes as I would any
client brief is crucial to working out where the problems lies (you,
them, the structure of the course/programme/institution or all of the
above).
p.s. Not interaction design related as such, but the best book I've
ever read about teaching is Stephen D. Brookfield's The Skillful
Teacher. It not only deals with the pedagogy, but also the emotional
and institutional experience of being a teacher.
Best,
Andy
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Andy Polaine
Research | Writing | Strategy
Interaction Concept Design
Education Futures
http://playpen.polaine.com
http://www.designersreviewofbooks.com
http://www.omnium.net.au
http://www.antirom.com
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