Abstract

As a Workshop & Pastoral Tutor on the LCF Textiles: Print course, my role involves weekly contact with first-year students and ongoing support for second- and third-year students. Currently, as part of my studies in the MA Academic Practice course, my Major Project focuses on facilitating conversations and supporting connections between students from different cohorts. This spring term, after conducting focus groups to gain deeper insights into student experiences and group dynamics, I led a series of four workshops inviting LCF Print students from all years to unwind, connect, and create with the aim of getting to know their neighbourhood better. During the workshops, we created cyanotype prints, which I later incorporated into a quilt. By adding foliage, hand stitching, and text that recorded moments of joy, this object now holds the stories of the participants.

Session and activities

Replicating the setup of the workshops I ran with students the session would be run as follows: 

1. Introduction to the session and purpose. Here, I would explain a bit about my role and ongoing research. 
2. Introductions around the room 
3. ‘How are you really’ chart – participants use emoji stickers to respond about how they are, beyond surface level. 
4. Commence collaborative making of cyanotype prints. I have made boxes with UV lights – no sun needed. 
5. During the session, we will use conversations cards to facilitate discussion and get to know each other a bit better. 
6. Round up – here I can share how my experience of hosting informal spaces has helped students to interact, creating pathways for meaningful connections. 
7. Participants in the workshop will have a small cyanotype print to take home.

Participants in my workshop will gain insights into how creating collaborative spaces to connect can improve student engagement and belonging. It can also help them navigate complex social dynamics within a classroom. Participants will also learn the value of informal spaces for students to interact, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and creating pathways for meaningful peer connections. I will be happy to share the physical quilt and use this as a guide in conversation, inviting attendees to reflect on their own practices and ideas.