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Graphic design students’ perceptions of work practice
Author(s)
Wicomb, Samuel Domingo
Date Issued
2016
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine how students experience the transition
from the classroom to the workplace. This research explored what factors
students found problematic and which factors was helpful during the transition.
This research was qualitative and this study focused on the experiences of the
participants and all data was collected from their perception of work practice. I
used Activity Theory as a theoretical framework to compile and organize
relevant data. Data was gathered using video recordings, hand written journal entries and
individual interviews. The research was conducted in an on-campus design
studio that is situated within the Design Faculty at Cape Peninsula University of
Technology. The reason for choosing Design Logic as a site is the following;
the studio sits neatly between the classroom and the workplace, although the
studio is in a protected environment, most of the elements that are present in a
real world setup is reflected within Design Logic i.e. the stresses of satisfying
demanding clients, working with budgets, liaising with suppliers and the ever
present looming deadlines all form part of the daily make-up of Design Logic. Although the starting point of the study was to search for the problem areas
of the student’s transition into the work place, the analyzed data revealed the
dissimilarities between the two systems and how the participants overcame
the difference i.e. shifting identities and rules and norms to develop new skills
suited for the work place. The workspace opened a Zone of Proximal
Development (ZPD) and highlighted the value and importance of work practice
in preparation of graduates for industry.
from the classroom to the workplace. This research explored what factors
students found problematic and which factors was helpful during the transition.
This research was qualitative and this study focused on the experiences of the
participants and all data was collected from their perception of work practice. I
used Activity Theory as a theoretical framework to compile and organize
relevant data. Data was gathered using video recordings, hand written journal entries and
individual interviews. The research was conducted in an on-campus design
studio that is situated within the Design Faculty at Cape Peninsula University of
Technology. The reason for choosing Design Logic as a site is the following;
the studio sits neatly between the classroom and the workplace, although the
studio is in a protected environment, most of the elements that are present in a
real world setup is reflected within Design Logic i.e. the stresses of satisfying
demanding clients, working with budgets, liaising with suppliers and the ever
present looming deadlines all form part of the daily make-up of Design Logic. Although the starting point of the study was to search for the problem areas
of the student’s transition into the work place, the analyzed data revealed the
dissimilarities between the two systems and how the participants overcame
the difference i.e. shifting identities and rules and norms to develop new skills
suited for the work place. The workspace opened a Zone of Proximal
Development (ZPD) and highlighted the value and importance of work practice
in preparation of graduates for industry.
Additional information
Thesis (MTech (Graphic Design))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.
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190035501-Wicomb-SD-Mtech-Graphic-Des-FID-2016.pdf
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Thesis
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