Manipulating Fabric – Object: African Handheld Folding Fan
I attended the online seminar delivered by Judy Willcocks and Georgina Orgill, on object based learning (OBL). (Willcocks, 2024) addressed the history of OBL in academic practice and shared the OBL framework. (Orgill, 2024) shared how to incorporate OBL in online teaching.
(Hardie 2015), explored how OBL can enrich and deepen the learning experience for students. (Ann Gravells, 2013) video provided key information on how to deliver an effective microteaching session.
The seminar was informative, and I learned a lot from the resources provided, which helped to create a framework for my own OBL microteaching session.
I usually use demonstrations and textbook resources in my teaching practice, but I found OBL to be more effective and practical. Sometimes I become the object by using the garment I am wearing, to help students visualise their designs.
For my own OBL microteaching session, initially I tried to find an object with an obvious link to our CAD/CAM software Gerber, Lectra (2D pattern drafting), and Optitex (3D simulation) and realised I was overthinking this. I chose a Ghanaian Kente print handheld folding fan, as my object to give learners an idea of what can be achieved digitally in Optitex, as when simulating a garment in Optitex fabric manipulation, applying fabric, stitches, and finishings, are used to replicate what the garment will look like physically.
I created a lesson plan for the session as discussed in (Storm, 2023). I introduced the topic, shared the aims, and presented the fan as the object, giving one to each learner. The room we were presenting in became hot, so the learners started to use the fans to cool down, which served as a useful introduction to the other part of my session, which was about using the five senses to observe the object, as discussed by (Bradford & Harvey, 2023).
I shared a brief history of Kente fabric, how the fan is created, safety rules, and showed fabric manipulation samples. I was meant to demonstrate how to thread a needle, but unfortunately, I was unable to do so. Fortunately, I had already pre-threaded some needles which allowed me to overcome this issue.
Original Ghanaian Kente Print Fabric Handheld Folding Fan, with samples of the learners fabric manipulation pieces.
Learners were encouraged to be creative and create their fabric manipulation. I provided paper copies of examples of fabric manipulation from the book (Wolff, 1996) so learners had references to help with ideas. Some learners used multiple fabrics to add layers to their designs. I observed their progress and repeated the session’s aims at the end and asked if there were any questions. A question was asked about cultural appropriation, and although I had not prepared for it, I answered it using my knowledge and personal views.
I enjoyed participating in my peers’ microteaching sessions. Everyone had rich and insightful topics and activities. I resonated with Noor’s session, where we learned the history of needlework and acted them out, which was an interesting way of engaging with the topic. It inspired me to think about how to incorporate this creative method within my teaching practice.
The feedback provided insight that my peers enjoyed my session and were able to deepen their understanding of fabric manipulation and types of fabrics. I will take on board the feedback about connecting the physical and digital, by incorporating screenshots and videos on how it is applied in Optitex.
Peer feedback
References
Hardie, K. (2015) ‘Wow: The power of objects in object-based learning and teaching’, Higher Education Academy.
Wolff, C. (1996) The art of manipulating fabric. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications.
Ann Gravells (2013) Delivering an effective micro teach session. 4 December. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFNkBsJca0c (Accessed: 31 March 2024).
Bradford,A.,Harvey. A. (2023) The five (and more) human senses. Available at: https://www.thinkific.com/blog/how-to-make-microteaching-lesson-plan/ (Accessed: 1 April 2024).
Judy Willcocks & Georgina Orgill (2024) ‘Object-based Learning’ [Blackboard Collaborate]. London College of Fashion. 24 January.
Storm, A. (2023) How to Make a Microteaching Lesson Plan. Available at: https://www.livescience.com/60752-human-senses.html (Accessed: 1 April 2024).
Different types of fabric manipulation samples