My ARP research has inspired me to look into various activities, 2 or which would be appropriate for induction:
ACTIVITY 1: Co-Create Course Code of Conduct and Values (linking to UAL Values): Group activity acting as an ice-breaker and taking responsibility of their role as students and collaborators
ACTIVITY 2: Creative Communication Workshop: Working with the Language Development Team implement creative workshop to brainstorm and share skills for industry-relevant communication, such as pitching ideas or storytelling for marketing.
However, as various academics point out, induction at the start of the year is not enough to instill a community or a feeling of belonging – induction activities should be spread throughout a course. Apart from many practices that help constitute beloning in the everyday which have been explored in the PGCERT course, the focus of this research was to produce an action; an action I can plan and carry out with my current cohort of students who are now finishing their Block 1 (of 3). Hence, the action I want to carry out in Block 2 (April 2025) would be a one-day event designed to celebrate the cultural richness of the cohort while connecting it to fashion marketing principles explored throughout our Units.
The below outlines the day’s objectives, the day’s structure and potential outcomes.
Aim
To strengthen the MASFM cohort’s sense of belonging on the course.
Objectives
- Celebrate Diversity: Showcase the diverse backgrounds, traditions, and perspectives within the MA Fashion Marketing cohort.
- Enhance Course Learning: Tie cultural narratives to fashion marketing strategies, helping students understand the impact of culture on consumer behaviour.
- Build Community: Create an informal, engaging space where students can connect beyond the classroom, fostering collaboration and a sense of belonging.
- Develop Presentation Skills: Offer students a platform to present their ideas and practice articulating them in a creative and professional setting.
Structure of the Day
Timing: April 2025, 4–5 hours.
Student Prep: Student’s must bring 1 artefact and one marketing visual from their home countries (e.g. garment/food/accessory)
1. Introduction Session (60 minutes)
- Kick-Off Talk by Course Leader and Guest Speaker: A short welcome by the course leader. Guest speaker (possibly an ethbograpgher or sociologist – someone working in inclusive and cultural marketing) discusses the importance of cultural diversity in fashion marketing.
- Goal Setting: Explain the objectives and schedule of the day, emphasising the connection between our cultural understanding and successful marketing.
2. Cultural Student Showcases (2 hours)
- Student Presentations: Each student (or group if they wish) shares a short presentation (3-5 min) showcasing their cultural heritage through an artefact and visual. Visuals would be placed onto a shared PADLET page.
3 . Informal Networking and Lunch (1 hour)
- Food and Music: Time to relax and mingle with snacks* representing different cultures (e.g., samosas, macarons, empanadas) and a playlist of global music curated by the students. *I have received requests from students wanting to have a course potluck dinner were cultural cuisine is shared with cohort!
- A “Cultural Connections Wall” where students write or draw insights about what they learned from each other.
4. Collaborative Workshop (1 hour)
- Activity: Students form small groups and work together to create a mini marketing campaign inspired by the cultural presentations seen by students.
- Challenge: “Create a campaign for [insert a global fashion brand] launching a culturally inspired collection in Country X…”
- Deliverables: A physical mood board or a 5-slide pitch deck outlining the key campaign concept.
- Mentoring: Course leader and guest provide guidance during the brainstorming process.
5. Closing Reflections and sharing of Deliverables (1 hour)
Benefits for Students
- Enhanced Cultural Awareness: Deepens their understanding of how culture shapes consumer behavior and the diversity of the cohort.
- Community Building: Strengthens bonds among peers by creating a shared experience of learning and celebration.
- Skill Development: Improves public speaking, teamwork, and creative hands on marketing strategy development.
- Industry Relevance: Demonstrates the importance of inclusivity in fashion marketing.
Potential Outcomes
- Students leave the event feeling more connected to each other and the institution.
- A tangible takeaway, such as campaign ideas or mood boards, to integrate into future coursework (e.g. inspiration for Master’s Project in Block 3)
- Increased cultural awareness that enriches the classroom environment and group projects.
This is an activity I will look forward to bringing to life (as I am now on the Teaching pathway!) and whilst it is only 1 action – it helps bring a stronger sense of belonging to this unique, special and ambitious group of students!