As a Specialist Technician – Learning and Teaching on the BA Fashion Contour course, I deliver technical workshops to first- and second-year students, who arrive with a wide range of sewing abilities.
According to dashboard data, 30% of these students have a declared disability. Of these, 13% report a specific learning difficulty, and 11% report other or multiple impairments.
Through delivering sessions, supporting students in supervised studio time, and speaking with them directly, it’s clear that some—particularly those with learning differences—struggle to keep up during fast-paced demonstrations. While some ask for help, others don’t always feel comfortable doing so, which can lead to stress, disengagement, or reluctance to return and complete their samples.
I’m proposing an intervention to improve the technical handouts that support workshop learning. Right now, the materials are inconsistent—some are outdated, some don’t align with current methods, and others use unclear abbreviations or language. This lack of cohesion affects students’ ability to engage with self-directed learning, particularly those who need to revisit content due to absence, processing needs, or sensory sensitivities.
The handouts are not currently providing the scaffolding students need to independently complete their sample work, which is key to their assessment.
This intervention will involve developing a standardised, accessible handout template for all 13 technical demonstrations. Features will include:
- Clear, simplified language and a glossary of key terms
- Step-by-step instructions in manageable stages
- Annotated drawings and photographs
- QR codes linking to short videos of complex techniques
I will consult with students on what they find useful in a handout and use their feedback to shape the final format. The aim is to support all learners—improving confidence, independence, and inclusivity in technical making.