Can I be controversial?
I have had lots of students, ever since I started teaching, coming up to
me and complaining that different tutors tell them completely different
things, and that this confuses them.
The 'stock answer' is that this is a good thing, it teaches them that
there is no right answer, and that they have to evaluate responses.
Recently I've begin to feel uncomfortable with this. I suspect it sets
students back and damages them. (Told you I'd be controversial)
They shop around for advice that is easiest to follow, and don't learn
anything except how to keep certain tutors happy. Often, because those
opinions aren't linked to the outcomes and assessment criteria, (instead
they focus on technicalities or style) students get diverted from the
learning that is supposed to take place and end up getting a poor grade
for a piece that, they insist, someone on the staff said they liked...
Has any research been done into the educational merits of tutors
contradicting one another?
Would it be worthwhile?
Anyone got any opinions on the subject?
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Jonathan Baldwin
Programme Leader, BA(Hons) Graphic Design
The Surrey Institute of Art & Design, University College
Epsom campus, Ashley Road, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5BE, UK
Tel: 44+ 1372 728811 Fax: 44+ 1372 747050
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