framework for the implementation of a virtual design studio model in ...

� Team-Working
Another important factor in the pedagogical layer is the culture of team-
working. This was promoted through challenging exercises and
activities which required the student to work in teams. The students
were provided with challenging tasks in groups which allow them to
develop as individuals as well. Team-working culture is one that is
aimed at by all the governments of the world at the current time and the
UAE government emphasised the importance of team-working for future
generation. 298 Team-working is believed to improve production and
quality and many have argued that team-working improves work
patterns and outcomes. 299
In Kolb‟s experiential learning cycle he pointed out the reflective
observations as being the stage where the learner reflects on their
experience. Many investigators 300 emphasised that it is important to
reflect at what you are learning. Donald Ѕchön 301 suggested that by
enabling the learner to reflect on what they are learning or to reflect on
action makes the learner engaged in a process of constant learning.
Ѕchön marks this as one of the defining characteristics of professional
practice.
“The cultivation of the capacity to reflect in action (while doing
something) and on action (after you have done it) has become an
important feature of professional training programmes in many
disciplines, and its encouragement is seen as a particularly important
aspect of the role of the mentor of the beginning professional”.
In the VDS 3 this was utilised by giving the students free time in which
they could reflect and observe either with others or on their own.
298
Mohammed bin Rashid (2004). op.cit. p77.
299
Sugarman, K. (2004). ‘Understanding the Importance of Teamwork’. Teamwork’, Brian Mackenzie's
Successful Coaching. 13.
300
Kolb, A., Kilb, D. A. (1999). Bibliography of research on experiential learning theory and the Learning
Style Inventory. Cleveland, OH: Department of Organizational Behaviour, Weatherhead School of
Management.
301
Schön, D. (1985). The Design Studio: An Exploration of its traditions and potentials. London: RIBA
Publication for RIBA Building Industry Trust.
140