PPRD Question and Answer...

As part of our ‘Personal Planning, Reflection and Development Unit’ we were encouraged to think about a few questions relating to teaching and learning, success and how to make the best out of our university and university experience.
In response, here are my thoughts......

How is teaching different from learning?
Teaching is to pass on knowledge or skill to another person through example or explanations.
Learning is different as it is the gaining of knowledge or skill through being taught.
How do teaching and learning fit together?
You can learn from teaching and teach from learning. Someone teaching may learn from the person they are teaching and would have had to learn to be able to teach.
Why does one rely on the other?
Without somebody to teach we can not learn from other people, only from our own experiences. Without anybody wanting or needing to learn, we cannot teach.
Why do you want to learn?
I want to learn so I can grow as a person. I want to expand my knowledge and skill and become the best version of myself that I possibly can.
How can you make the best out of your university?
I can make sure I know about and use all the resources available to me. Give everything a chance and work with people and policies rather than against them.
How can you make the best out of your learning experience?
Make sure I’m well organised, enjoy what I am doing, work hard, make sure I understand things and ask for help if not. I will try not to be afraid to give things ago that I maybe unsure of or consider a risk or haven’t done before. I can help and work together with the people around me.

MY SWOT - New to me...but let’s see...
Strength – Well organised and conscientious.
Weakness – I recognise that occasionally I like things to be clearly defined and distinct when they can be or need to be ‘grey’, not black and white.
Opportunity – Being at a specialised Art’s University College with masses of helpful resources and opportunities. Doing a subject I am passionate about with people who understand and empathise with my passion.
Threat – The fierce competition involved within the fashion industry.

Five people I consider successful and why?

Beyonce – A hugely successful singer, songwriter, record producer, actress and model. Despite the fact her journey to fame and success was fairly smooth, I admire how much success she has had through her masses of talent and how many things she puts her hands to. She is a massive role model to both women and aspiring performers as well as overcoming challenges that society has created for African Americans and the obstacle of being a woman in a male-dominated occupational society.
Sir Alan Sugar – After leaving school at 16, boiling beetroots for the local greengrocer in the East End, Sir Alan Sugar is now a multi-millionaire with a string of successful businesses. He worked his way up the business ladder through masses of hard work and self-belief. He is an example of a real life ‘rags–to-riches’ story and offers opportunities to other’s starting out as he did. I admire his character and personality as he comes across a very genuine, down to earth family man, regardless of his extreme success.
Cheryl Cole – I had included Cheryl Cole in my list because I believe it is admirable how far she has come since her success on ‘Popstar: The Rivals’, 2002. Within only five years Cheryl Cole went from an ordinary teenager growing up in Newcastle to a successful multi-selling pop singer, wife of a famous footballer and a judge on X-Factor. She has overcome bad press and low points in her life to result in being an inspirational role model for today’s youth.
Coco Chanel – Chanel is well known as being the woman who changed the shape of 20th century fashion. Being abandoned at a young age Chanel went on to defy the odds and make the transition from an orphan to an extremely powerful and successful woman. She
symbolises ‘woman power’ and is an true inspiration for many budding fashion designers.
My Parents – I consider my parents successful because they are happy with what they have and what they have achieved. They have worked hard to become self-employed and balance both work and leisure time. They have been patient and as a result have got more than what they may have originally. As well as this, they have overcome the many problems and obstacles.

What do I consider success?
To achieve something you have desired, planned, attempted and worked hard for. Being happy with what you have achieved and content with your life.
What qualities did they have/learn?
Persistence, self confidence and belief. Determination and stamina.
What effect did they have on people?
They are a good example to show other’s ‘it’ can happen. If you work hard enough and believe in what you want to do and achieve you can do it.

I can definitely use these people as inspiration to achieve my own goal.

As well as answering these questions we listened to a tape explaining the different parts of the fashion industry. The tape was very interesting and gave some helpful information and advice but here the main points that got my attention...

Can you cut it in Fashion?

• Trust your instinct and your gut feelings, even if your not 100% confident.
• Make sure you have a full picture of how the industry works.
• Learning to answer the brief. Understanding why it is you’re designing it. Always make sure you understand the brief. Why you’re designing it and the customer who will be wearing it.
• Be realistic about what you really want to do and what you can really achieve within the industry.
• Design comes and goes, skill only increases.