Acknowledging the value of facilitated informal discussion (a case study)

The paper will introduce and discuss a project delivered with BA textiles students at Chelsea and members from the women’s institute. The project delivered during lockdown 2021 was embedded within a unit with a focus on professional communication, once a week members and students met via teams for facilitated informal discussion. The paper will present findings developed from feedback on the effects of informal conversations, the removal of considerations of assessment and student / tutor power dynamics, and challenges related to digital experience. The session will present a model to facilitate informal conversations, and invite reflection and discussion.