Principles for Teaching Design
A Student-Centered Perspective
“Good teaching is more a giving of right questions than a giving of right answers.”
— Josef Albers
Stay up-to-date on the latest design trends, techniques, and software to provide current and relevant instruction.
By staying current, design teachers can ensure that they are providing students with the most current and relevant information in the field, which can be particularly important in a field like design which changes rapidly. For example, if a new design software is released or updated, the teacher should familiarize themselves with it and incorporate it into their instruction if appropriate.
Encourage a collaborative and inclusive learning environment for all students.
A collaborative and inclusive learning environment can help students feel more comfortable and engaged in the learning process. For example, a design teacher might encourage students to work together on group projects or provide opportunities for students to present their work to the class.
Foster a sense of creativity and encourage students to think outside the box.
Design is all about coming up with new and innovative ideas, and a design teacher should encourage students to embrace their creativity and think outside the box. For example, a teacher might encourage students to take inspiration from unexpected sources or challenge them to come up with unique and unexpected solutions to design problems.
Emphasize the importance of problem-solving and critical thinking skills in design.
Problem-solving and critical thinking are essential skills for any designer, and a design teacher should help students develop these skills through exercises and projects that require them to think critically and creatively. For example, a teacher might ask students to come up with a design solution for a real-world problem or challenge them to redesign a familiar product in a new and innovative way.
Provide constructive feedback on students’ work and help them identify areas for improvement.
Giving students constructive feedback on their work can be a valuable tool for helping them improve and grow as designers. A design teacher should be able to identify areas where a student’s work could be improved and provide specific suggestions for how they can improve. For example, a teacher might point out that a student’s layout could be more effective if they used a different type of grid or that their color choices could be more cohesive.
Encourage students to experiment and take risks in their design work.
Design is often about trying new things and taking creative risks, and a design teacher should encourage students to embrace this aspect of the field. For example, a teacher might challenge students to create a design that incorporates an unusual color palette or explore an unfamiliar style to find opportunities for growth.
Encourage students to seek out real-world design experiences, such as internships or freelance work.
Gaining real-world design experience can be an invaluable way for students to learn and grow as designers, and a design teacher should encourage students to pursue these types of opportunities. For example, a teacher might help students find internships or freelance work, or connect them with industry professionals who can offer guidance and mentorship.
Help students develop a strong portfolio of their work to showcase their skills and abilities.
A strong portfolio is an essential tool for any designer, and a design teacher should help students develop a portfolio that showcases their skills and abilities. For example, a teacher might provide guidance on what types of projects to include in a portfolio or offer tips for how to present work in a strategic way for the student’s objectives and future goals.
Encourage students to be active learners by asking questions and participating in class discussions.
Active learning is an important part of the design process, and a design teacher should encourage students to ask questions and participate in class discussions. For example, a teacher might ask students to debate their perspective on a particular design trend or encourage them to discuss the work of other designers in the context of their own learning in a constructive and curious way.
Be approachable and available to help students with any questions or challenges they may face during their coursework.
It is important for design teachers to be approachable and available to help their students with any questions or challenges they may face during the design process. For example, if a student encounters a problem that seems unresolvable they may result to solve a problem in ineffective or inefficient ways; their teacher may know processes and methods that can guide the student that can be used for the problem at hand and in the future.
