Learning Outcomes:
In taking this module students will:
1. Develop their creative potential, leadership skills, problem solving abilities and lateral thinking skills
2. Formulate approaches in order to develop a collaborative culture amongst the undergraduate students they tutor, through facilitation of groupwork and building of student confidence through active learning.
3. Plan studio sessions and develop facilitation skills; inclusion, conflict resolution, confidence and communication skills.
4. Communicate and evaluate the application of the design and innovation process highlighting the value of prototyping in developing and testing concepts.
5. Develop their ability to critique their own work and the work of others, building on feedback received and providing constructive feedback to others.
Indicative Module Content:
Our Innovation Leadership module prepares students to manage projects, lead teams and use innovation techniques to develop creative solutions. The development of facilitation and leadership skills of this group is achieved through the link with our core Stage 1 Creativity in Design module.
Students taking the innovation Leadership module facilitate the small-group experience for the first year students, through their project management of the studio experience. This provides a sustainable approach to the logistics of provision of a small-group experience for approximately 290 first year students.
The development of leadership skills, understanding of team dynamics and the ability to manage processes and projects are key employment skills, which are developed through this module. Many employers routinely use group-based problem solving settings for observing and identifying suitable employees, our graduates are confident and capable of operating impressively within this environment.
The Innovation Leadership students value the opportunity to mentor the first year students, sharing their experiences of university life and of the engineering programme. Additionally the students value the diversity of their peer team compositions.
Weeks 1 to 4
- During the first two weeks, students are prepared to facilitate the Stage 1 studio sessions, which commence in week 3/4.
- Students are introduced to, and use the Design Cycle approach, applying this to the assignments for the Stage 1 Creativity in
Design module.
- Students are introduced to project management techniques, presented in the context of management of studio sessions.
- Students are introduced to grading, assessment, and feedback mechanisms, and grading rubrics are reviewed, trialed and
discussed.
- Student teams are formed in advance of commencement of studio sessions with the Stage 1 students in week 3/4.
- Students are introduced to, and discuss, the managing and leading the stages of team development (Tuckman). They are
introduced to Type Dynamics Indicators (TDIs), and the potential impacts of personal preferences on team working
- Students are reminded of library resources, with academic integrity and referencing highlighted, so they can assist Stage 1
students
- Planning for following week facilitation session is undertaken
Week 5
- Students facilitate the Stage 1 studio session: ice-breakers, development, facilitation of Assignment 1 completion, and use of
rubrics
- Students facilitate Stage 1 students in preparing their work plan for the coming week
- Students have debrief session, with presentation and discussion of challenges, actions, and required assistance
- Students are introduced to project management and change management approaches and techniques.
- Planning for following week facilitation session is undertaken
Week 6
- Students facilitate the Stage 1 studio session: ice-breakers, development, facilitation of Assignment 2, delivery of feedback, and use of rubrics
- Students facilitate Stage 1 students in preparation of work plan for the following week, for starting Assignment 2
- Students have debrief session, with presentation and discussion of challenges, actions, and required assistance
- Planning for following week facilitation session is undertaken
Weeks 7 to 10
- Students facilitate the Stage 1 studio session: ice-breakers, development, facilitation of progression of Assignments 2 and 3, feedback, development of work plans, and use of rubrics
- In Week 8 students have a facilitated review and reflection on experience of team leadership and development, based on weeks 5 to 7 facilitation experience.
Identification and discussion of issues encountered, and recognition of key skills developed, with discussion about how skills and
capabilities being developed could be articulated to potential employers.
- Students have debrief session, with presentation and discussion of challenges, actions, and required assistance
- Planning for following week facilitation session is undertaken
Week 11
- Students facilitate the Stage 1 studio session: ice-breakers, development, facilitation of progression and completion of Assignment
3, development of work plans, feedback, and use of rubrics
- Students have debrief session, with presentation and discussion of challenges, actions, and required assistance
- Planning for final week 12 session is undertaken
Week 12
- Students facilitate Stage 1 studio session: final presentations, final evaluation and shortlisting
- Students facilitate exhibition of shortlisted projects, student and staff voting, and placing of top 5
- In-person examination held on Friday week 12