Rethinking the Crit: New Pedagogies in Design Education

Assessment in architecture and creative arts schools often uses a 'crit' approach, where students pin up their work, present, and receive verbal feedback in front of peers and staff. This approach can increase stress, inhibit learning, and reinforce power imbalances, contributing to the reproduction of dominant cultural paradigms. This book critically examines the pedagogical theory behind the 'crit, discusses recent critiques, and examines the reality of the 'crit through analysis of practice. It explores the challenges for education and suggests how changes to feedback can shape the future of architecture and the creative arts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Assessment in architecture and creative arts schools has traditionally followed a 'one size fits all' approach, where students exhibit their work, deliver presentations, and receive verbal feedback in front of peers and academic staff. Not only does this approach exacerbate stress and hinder learning, particularly for individuals from diverse backgrounds, but it also perpetuates power imbalances and contributes to the reinforcement of dominant cultural paradigms.

In response to these concerns, this book takes a critical look at the pedagogical theory underpinning the 'crit approach. It explores recent critiques of this approach and delves into the realities of the 'crit through an analysis of practice. The book also examines the challenges faced by education and proposes ways in which changes to feedback can shape the future of architecture and the creative arts.

One of the primary criticisms of the 'crit approach is that it fails to recognize the unique strengths and weaknesses of individual students. Instead, it promotes a standardized and impersonal evaluation process that may not adequately capture the nuances and complexities of each student's work. This can lead to a lack of meaningful feedback and a sense of disempowerment for students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds who may not have access to the same resources and support as their peers.

Furthermore, the adversarial structure of the 'crit reinforces power imbalances and perpetuates dominant cultural norms. In many cases, students are evaluated based on their ability to conform to a specific set of standards and expectations, rather than on their creativity, critical thinking, and personal expression. This can limit the diversity of perspectives and ideas within the field and contribute to the perpetuation of cultural biases and stereotypes.

To address these challenges, the book proposes a shift towards more personalized and inclusive feedback practices. This includes providing students with constructive criticism that is specific to their individual needs and goals, as well as opportunities for self-reflection and self-assessment. It also emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive learning environment that promotes diversity and inclusivity.

One potential approach to achieving this is through the use of technology and digital platforms. By leveraging digital tools, students can receive feedback on their work in real-time, allowing for more frequent and meaningful interactions between teachers and students. This can also facilitate the sharing of ideas and perspectives, promoting a more collaborative and inclusive learning environment.

In addition to technological solutions, changes to the teaching and learning approach can also contribute to a more personalized and inclusive feedback culture. This includes promoting a more student-centered approach to teaching, where students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning and develop their own critical thinking skills. It also involves providing opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-cultural exchange, which can help students develop a broader understanding of the field and a more nuanced perspective on their work.

Overall, this book provides a critical examination of the 'crit approach to assessment in architecture and the creative arts. It highlights the challenges faced by this approach and proposes alternative approaches that can promote a more personalized, inclusive, and equitable learning environment. By embracing these changes, we can help to shape the future of architecture and the creative arts and create a more inclusive and diverse society.

Weight: 625g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032266862