I have the results back from the survey which I did as a Microsoft Questionnaire. The survey was completed by 22 out of a total of 48 students, meaning 46% of the class completed the survey.
Quantitive Data:
I was a little surprised to find that 62% responded that they preferred workshops to talks.
Was also surprised at the prefer to listen and take it in %. Perhaps this is the expectation for a talk?
Interesting that students perceive confidence just builds over time, rather than through experience and opportunity to try things.
This will be really helpful going forward with a strategy for industry Guests for the next Unit.
Qualitative Data:
I have drawn out some key insights from the open ended question to take into session planning.
What makes for an engaging talk?
“Relatability”
“When it isn’t PR’ing / when the speaker is more realistic, and or vulnerable about the topic; in my opinion this opens up more space for dialogue then a motivational narrative. When they are clever / not talking down or over simplifying; stops information becoming redundant or cliche”
Perhaps I could build in a section about the work the guest made when they were a student? To increase relatability on both sides.
“A feeling that there is some mutual understanding as a basis for the talk, the guest speaker knows who they are speaking to and why”
“The host setting the tone”
It will be important that I brief the speakers well on who the students are, and how their talk relates to the projects the students are working on.
“Objects and physical things that can be shown passed around and photographed”
Perhaps Anna Howard could bring some of her physical Supporting Material Collection. It could be interesting to see the difference between this engagement, both in combination with, or in contrast to, the Miro board.