Review of Week Four

Class Evaluation - Classes by other Faculty member

Class: Conceptual Marquette Design
Professor: Professor John Larison
Location: Norris Hall Rm 304
Time: TR 2pm-4.30pm
Dates Attended: Oct 2, 2007 (Tue) & Oct 4, 2007 (Thur)

The Tuesday that I attended was a submission and critique session. I had the opportunity to see what the students have done for their second project - a 12" realistic maquette basing their design on a favorite celebrity of theirs. During the critique, the students have to present what they think and feel about his/her project, express what they most like and most displeased about, and what they would do to make it better. After that, the other students would chip in to express their views on their fellow students' projects as well. Finally the professor would present what he likes and dislikes about their work and so forth. Strong emphasis was placed on what the students have done right and well, and what they could improve. The atmosphere of the class was both encouraging and positive. Professor John was altogether affirmative in giving criticism which was most of the time constructive, practical and optimistic.


Critique points that I gather during the sessions were:
1. Muscles weight, proportion, form and shape.
2. Detailings such as folds on clothing, textures and etc.
3. Balance and weight
4. Proportion on the overall design
5. Body language utilized on maquette
6. Final finish
7. Consistency in details, features and other elements, eg. shoe type, shape and etc.

The following surmises Professor John teaching mode:

1. He maintains a loud (not over0bearing) and clear voice throughout the class. He expresses his teachings with clarity and concision.
2. He re-reemphasized what he has said before, but not sounding annoyingly repetitive.
3. His train of thoughts was organized.
4. He maintained contact with the students.
5. He solicited feedback from students all the time to keep them engaged with the class.
6. He paused for question at each interval when he finished a certain lecture point.
7. He recap the important aspects of his lecture at the end.

At the same time, I have the opportunity to sit-in through one of his in-class demo on making telescopic armatures for detachable limbs. It was indeed an eye-opening session.
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