Design workshop for students

Abstract

In the light of the active changes in higher education in the last years, the intensive study modules of practical training have become more and more popular. They are known as ‘workshops’ (or designer workshop). They place students under actual working conditions, where they are supposed to solve a certain problem for a short time. The correct and well implemented training guarantees the achievement of a good end result. To make this possible, a deep knowledge is necessary, both of advantages and problems that may occur. The present paper focuses on the following important issues: the choice of theme; student team-building; work stages; requirements for final project presentation; assessment criteria. In the paper, situations are also considered, where problems occur, both creative, motivational and interpersonal, as well as methods of their overcoming.
The paper aims at methodical support for university teachers who organize such type of intensive training.
Key words: design workshop, intensive training, team work, methods of practical training.