ROLE OF DIPLOMA & SHORT COURSES IN ART & DESIGN EDUCATION

ROLE OF DIPLOMA & SHORT COURSES IN ART & DESIGN EDUCATION by Muzammil Hameed Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Art Education in the School of Visual Arts and Design, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore © Muzammil Hameed 2020 ABSTRACT ROLE OF DIPLOMA PROGRAMS & SHORT COURSES IN ART & DESIGN EDUCATION Muzammil Hameed The Research examines the impact of short courses in art and design education on educating and influencing practitioners in the art and design sector of Pakistan. The short courses incorporating the arts can be educational, developmentally rich, and costeffective also providing students with the skills that are beneficial for today's economy. Arts education have helped students to develop basic art related skills along with creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration that are effective entrepreneurial skills needed for workplace success. The research analyses the role of these courses through a case study and that there should be efforts to facilitate collaboration between arts & design institutions and the creative industry courses that are beneficial for the today’s learner. Table ofContents INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 5 Background of the study ............................................................................................................. 6 Art education in Higher Education sector of Pakistan - Diploma and Certificates: ..................... 6 Research Question: ................................................................................................................. 7 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................. 8 Rationale ................................................................................................................................. 8 Case study for the research purpose........................................................................................... 8 Role of the researcher ........................................................................................................... 10 Research design ..................................................................................................................... 10 Criteria of selection of interviewees: .................................................................................... 10 Data collection by interviews: ............................................................................................... 12 LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................................. 14 Career in arts ............................................................................................................................. 14 Learning 21st century skills ........................................................................................................ 15 Diploma & short courses ........................................................................................................... 17 Art & Design sector Pakistan ..................................................................................................... 18 Utilization of art & design skills in career development:....................................................... 18 FINDINGS & ANALYSIS ............................................................................................... 20 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................. 23 BIBLOGRAPHY .................................................................................................................. APPENDIX – A ................................................................................................................ 29 Theoretical framework .......................................................................................................... 29 APPENDIX – B ................................................................................................................ 37 Table 1 Group- A, interview participants’ background information: .............................. 11 Table 2 Group- B interviewee background information: ................................................. 11 Table 3 Group – A, Research questions & data instruments ............................................ 12 Table 4 Group – B, Research questions........................................................................... 13 Table 5 – Themes derived from the coded texts ................................................................ 20 Table 6- Group – A, Transcribed interviews .................................................................... 29 Table 7 - Group – B Transcribed Interviews .................................................................... 33 INTRODUCTION Art and Design institutes play an important role in educating young talented individuals, pursuing jobs in the art and design sector of Pakistan. This research highlights the practicality of introducing short courses in art and design and how this would bridge the gap between working class students and a good quality education.There are only a few institutions in Pakistan that are providing higher education and degree programs in art and these too are only accessible to a very small student demographic. There is a dire need of accessibility of short courses for art students, for them to be able to establish sustainable careers based on their passions. Considering the results through diploma and short courses, students acquire a creative edge for a career in art and design by developing creative and aesthetic perceptions along with the 21st century skills necessary for working in the design sector. The fashion and high-end industries are sectors that rely strongly on creative input and are among the most significant contributors to the domestic economy. Despite the significant contributions of this sector to the country and the efforts by the government to improve higher education in the field, lengthy degree programs in art and design remain inaccessible and unaffordable for most art students, making it difficult to pursue them. This research intends to give a descriptive view on the benefits of diplomas and short courses in art and design and explore through a case study of alumni of Lahore School of Fashion Design, LSFD, a private art institute, training students in these avenues which have helped young talented students express their creative nature in the field of work. It also suggests steps that need to be taken for the promotion of short courses, certificates and diplomas, taking in account the opinion of renowned artists and educationalists.. Background of the study Art education in Higher Education sector of Pakistan - Diploma and Certificates: In Pakistan, Higher education (HE) comprises of the university, Degree Awarding Institutes (DAI) and, the affiliated colleges governed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). In the light of evidence, the private sector plays an important role; it represents some 23% of Higher educational institutes (HEI) enrollments. Over the past seventy years, art education in Pakistan has undergone many changes and developments. The 1950s was a transitional period in the education of Pakistan, in which qualifications in visual arts were established with the award of degrees, diplomas and certificates in specialized subjects in universities or standalone institutes. Qualification of such awards were parallel to the general system of formal education in Pakistan, i.e. from degrees in the undergraduate to post graduate and higher education levels, and diplomas and certificates of vocational and technical trainings. In the 90’s some professional institutions emerged, but the associated high costs barred their access to many who were interested in joining. A few institutions which were affordable could not provide quality and career-oriented education and thus the demand for affordable quality education was still not met. As a result, some private institutions stepped into this sector with a mission to identify and enhance the expertise of individuals in art and design at an affordable cost marked by quality and hence meet the challenges of the competitive modern job market. From examining the findings, there are many teenagers and young adults in Pakistan who look for opportunities offered by institutions like National College of Arts (NCA), BeaconHouse National University (BNU) and Lahore School of Fashion Design (LSFD), to gain entry into professional careers. National College of Arts (NCA) formerly known as the Mayo School of Art (1875), established by the British, was one of the colonial art schools in British India, besides schools in Bombay, Calcutta and Madras. John Lockwood Kipling, the first principal was an art teacher by profession, who during his term patronized traditional craftspersons and by training and apprenticeship further developed them into highly skilled craftsmen. In 1958 Mayo School of Art was renamed the National College of Arts which took steps to expand the educational program in response to the developing Pakistani industrial economy. Mark Sponenburgh, the first principal of NCA took the initiative to develop the academic program by inviting artists, architects and designers from overseas, through the Fulbright program and Columbo Plan and helped develop the curriculum to be followed for many years.In 1985, NCA got a degree-awarding status and started its first graduate program.Previously, NCA offered professional diplomas equivalent to degrees. In recent years short courses and diplomas in specialized areas have been added. Considering the demand and these changes in the art education landscape, short courses and diplomas have emerged as an area of great potential and interest because of their extensive reach and applicability. Research Question: What roles do diploma programs and short courses in Art & Design play in educating, preparing and influencing practitioners in the art and design sector of Pakistan? METHODOLOGY Rationale The research intended to look into the role of diplomas and short courses in art and design education to study the potential of these alternatives for equipping emerging art practitioners with the self-reliance, personal creative exploration, practical experience and qualification they need to become successful members of the job market in Pakistan. Like in any other profession, educated labor promises efficiency, and the testimonies of both recent graduates and seasoned artists speak to the importance of making these opportunities accessible for all. Many students in Pakistan are unable to afford a full degree program in art education for a variety of reasons. Research into ways for implementing these options is necessary to make related industry independent, accessible and relevant in demands of today. Case study for the research purpose The case study for the research is an art and design institute, Lahore School of Fashion Design, (LSFD), a private institute situated in Lahore. The philosophy of NCA has inspired many institutes in Pakistan, one of them is LSFD. The objective of this institute was to explore the niche in the areas of Fashion and Textile Design sector. The philosophy and curriculum plan encourages skill development required for the today’s economy to be acquired in short period of time. The diploma program offers to train students in an extensive range of skills including fashion and textile design, interior design and décor and visual arts. The pre-requisite for such specialized courses is a solid background in the basics of art and design. LSFDs objective is to provide an opportunity for a lay person with talent to study and practice the basics. LSFD like NCA also provides customized short courses in Painting, Calligraphy, Photography and other art related subjects for those who are eager to learn, irrespective of their background. These courses are specially designed for those who cannot manage a full-time educational program due to their personal or professional engagements. Such courses are useful to the society since allowing interested students to expand their career profile, will make them innovative and artistic etc. In short this has a positive effect on their career development. The students learn to visualize ideas in both 2D and 3D, and learn to use traditional tools to solve design problems (creativity & critical thinking) as part of a team (communication & collaboration). Project work gives them knowledge of design theory, process, practice and an understanding of the commercial contexts within which designers operate. Students after completing these courses are not restricted to a single employment area but are able to explore interconnected fields of design as well. The modular structure of the courses allows them to work in a studio and in the field. The institute initially started with 8 students in the year 2000. In 2004 LSFD got affiliated with Wigan and LeighCollege, UK for the High National Diploma(HND) in textile design. After 5 years it collaborated with the University of Sargodha for the graduate degree in art & design. Now more than 1000s of students have qualified as diploma holders and have managed to establish themselves in the most suitable and respective fields in the market for Art and Design. The research highlights that there are opportunities for young artists/ designers after acquiring skills in the diploma and short programs, allowing them to follow a successful career. This validates the short courses concept. Role of the researcher The role of the researcher was that of an interviewer and an analyst. The researcher, an art graduate from NCA, working in the field of education for the past 20 years, has been a part of the vocational and training institute as a curriculum developer. The researcher had the opportunity to run an institution like Lahore School of Fashion Design (LSFD), and was able to implement a program of Art Education to those in need and having the talent for it. Research design The methodological design for the research utilizes a qualitative approach for exploring and understanding how short courses impacted the life of art students in their career development. The data collected and analysis is based on the experiences and views (perceptions) of the participants. Table 1 & 2 Data collection for primary research was collected through interviews of selected LSFD alumni students and professionals working in the art and design field in Lahore. The answers were recorded by note taking and filmed with their consent for the project, a research documentary, which is accessible to masses and published online. Criteria of selection of interviewees: Sampling procedure & participants The interviewees are divided in two groups: ̄ Group A - LSFD alumni ̄ Group B - Professionals of art & design institutes Group A - LSFD alumni A non-probability sample of participants was drawn from the case study institute. The LSFD alumni are from separate fields of design, representing their respective field. Table 1Group- A, interview participants’ background information: Work Experience Years working in Business / job the field Participant Educational background P1 B com Diploma Fashion Design Designer, Pattern teacher P2 Bachelors - Information technology Diploma Fashion Design Fashion designer in a leading brand 8 years P3 Diploma Interior Design BA Interior Design Director operationsCreative head of an Interior brand 16 years P4 BA Mass Communication Diploma Fashion Design Business- own brand store 2 years More than 15 years Note: P = Participant; BA = Bachelor of Arts Degree; MA = Masters of Arts Degree; B com = Bachelor in Commerce Group B - Professionals of art & design institutes Through purposeful sampling the researcher carefully selected art faculty members from different art & design institutes of Lahore.The selection is done according to their academic teaching experience of degree and short courses to understand the broader perspective of this study. Table 2Group- B interviewee background information: Interviewee Educational Background Experience in the field Salima Hashmi NCA NazishAttaullah NCA Art educationalist, artist Art educationalist, artist Data collection by interviews: The following questionnaire was used to collect data for the research that was transcribed and analyzed. (Appendix – A, Transcribed interviews) Table 3Group– A, Research questions & data instruments Research questions Instrument Data collection & Analysis 1. What roles do diploma and short courses play in your life, how does Art and Design education prepare practitioners for jobs in the industrials sector? 2. What do you think about awareness in Pakistan about art education for those who cannot afford the expense of art education i.e.degree (four-year program)? 3. What skills did you acquire after your diploma/short course in Arts? 4. How can you apply 21st century skills in your practice? 5. Do you think there are career opportunities for art & design graduates? 6. How did short courses change your life and what will you suggest the new learners in art education? Interviews Semi structured interview was conducted by the researcher. Interviews were audio and video taped and transcribed. Coding procedure was used to identify important statements and identified pattern themes. Table 4Group – B, Research questions Research questions Instrument Data collection & Analysis 1. What roles did diploma and short courses play in your life, how did Interviews Semi structured interview was Art and Design educate and conducted by the researcher. prepare you for jobs in the Interviews were audio and industrial sector? video taped and transcribed. 2. How does art education help Coding procedure was used to students in looking for design identify important statements industry jobs? and identified pattern themes. 3. Why do you think there is a need for setting up an art educational training program part of schools in Pakistan? 4. In what ways art education /degree /diploma has made a difference for the practitioners in the art and design sector for jobs? 5. In your opinion how important are 21st century skills and how can they be used in leaning art and design as education? LITERATURE REVIEW The review of this literature explores the significance of diploma and courses in art education for young artists. The articles mentioned here highlight the value of art education and offer in-depth analysis of the potential benefits of achieving this potential. Career in arts The process of art education is described as “an individuals' effort to change, improve and empower life methodically” (Uçan, 2002:2-3, AktaranMercin, Karakuş, 2007:17)”. As said an education in art contributes towards holistic personal development by creating opportunities for creative inspiration and exposing students to a plethora of aptitudes, values and information. At the core of most visual expression curricula and design education is ‘problembased learning (PBL),’ a feature aimed towards empowering students to take away not just craftsmanship skills but a preparedness for the requirements of work and the challenges of life beyond school.(Bequette&Bequette, 2012, p. 44) RobinsonVande Zande encapsulates this particular aspect of design education as, “the study of aesthetics and utility of items in our daily lives". Building upon this foundation of 'problem-based learning in their professional careers, designers follow a process, coined by pioneers in the industry as ‘design thinking,’ which includes the selecting of an idea or concept, planning an outcome in the form of a product, software or event, and depicting it in a medium of their choice. Given all these tangible benefits, Ulbricht, J. stresses the need to introduce art as a major subject in high school. In his article, he argues that art students are bound to be well trained in the practical expertise needed to secure a successful future in the work force. Thus, art education being a core part of many high school curricula, should be extended to higher educational institutions as well, as it will open doors for talent. “Art, like engineering, is concerned with finding answers to problems and seeking visual solutions using the design process.” (Ulbricht, J. 2005). Researchers in the US gave their take on the significance of art education and its effects on generations to come. (SNAAP - survey 2010) Courses in art education expand an individual’s appreciation of art and the work of individual artists. It allows us to understand with different cultures and traditions connecting artwork from these respective regions and times. An education in art encourages a young child to develop self-expression, self-awareness and self-confidence. Art gives them a platform to express themselves in the most creative and honest way possible. However, to acquire maximum from the subject, a student requires not just talent but appropriate guidance in the desired field. The article under the Art Education Partnership(AEP), Kate Wolf & Mary Fulton (2017) discusses the importance of art education as, instrumental in providing the essential life skills, such as creativity, perseverance and teamwork; and is a fundamental requirement for success in a workforce. Learning 21st century skills The article on ‘The Impact of Education and Vocational Training’ mentions, skill as the combination of significant knowledge and practical expertise required for performing a particular task. The ‘Partnership for Twenty-First Century Skills’ in the United States identified that, in order to succeed in the modern day, students must be taught to gain command “of thorough guidelines” and acquire “the cognitive and social abilities to compete and work in a globalized society and economy.” (Taylor, 2011;P21, 2006). In the article, Jorden DeWilde lists some of these 21st century skills which include creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication, before going on to explain how the study of visual arts provides students with the opportunity to acquire implement and hone these skills. Among these attributes, creativity and innovation stand out as the most relevant and highly sought after qualities in a student entering the workforce, as they draw on the fundamental principles at the core of an economy that revolves around intellectual approach, entrepreneurialism, and problem based learning (PBL). (Tepper&Kuh, 2011) Moreover, the American Association of Colleges and Universities (www.aacu.org) recently termed “creative thinking” an essential learning outcome of higher education, in order to encourage its development and definition. This is a benefit that advocates for art education have long argued that high school graduates receive from the creative thinking that is central to most arts courses (Sizer, 2004) This has been ignored in our education system, therefore depriving our students from all sectors of developing their innovative spirit. Tony Wagner described seven survival skills that students need for career and continuous learning in the 21st century among them were, critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration, creativity and entrepreneurialism, communication and curiosity and imagination. (Wagner, T; Basics book, 2008) Diploma & short courses Certificates are recognition of completion of a course of study based on a specific field, usually offered for a limited set of occupations. Certificate and short courses allow individuals to learn the same skills they would through a degree in a shorter period and still be successful in their field of work. (Bosworth, B. 2011) Bosworth in his article also supports art as a key subject, because according to him, artists know what they’re doing and hence devote their time to their work is beneficial for general society.“Diplomas and short courses don’t take most of your time; individuals learn about the same things in a shorter period and are applicable of accomplishing great success in their work of fields” Bearing in mind the direct correlation between an educated labor force and increased economic efficiency, Certificate Programs (Diplomas) are an effective alternative to Degree Programs in terms of success rates and efficiency. (Jenkinson, 2007) This is because diplomas and short courses in Art and Design give young talented individuals the opportunity to learn and put into practice the course that interests them the most. Therefore, young artists, particularly low and middle class individuals, are more interested in art and design courses, because such programs give them the tools and guidance, they need to enhance their knowledge of art in a short period of time. In addition, as learners seek to acquire knowledge or skills to satisfy market needs; many more prefer to pick and choose courses from the most suitable providers, rather than studying a clearly defined program at one institution. Subsequently, there is perpetually assorted variety inside organizations. For example, customary colleges are progressively extending their proposal to incorporate short-cycle courses and all the more vocationally oriented degrees and the other way around. (Tremblay, K. et al AHELO, feasibility Report- Vol 1) Art & Design sector Pakistan Utilization of art & design skills in career development: The arts play an important role in improving a students’ ability to learn because they incorporate a range of intelligences and learning styles. Furthermore, the combination of career and technical education connects art students with the greatest range of learning styles and career possibilities. (Shepherd Siegel. 2018) The value of art and design education in enhancing business productivity in the UK is highlighted in the Cox Review of Business HMT 2005, which identified this teaching approach as ideal for creating creative entrepreneurial opportunities. (LevickParkin, M. 2014) Art education like any other field of work is heavily influenced and dependent on the state of the art and design sector of the country. The art and design industry demands more qualified and experienced designers and the curriculum of short courses in art and design should be restructured in such a way that it could lead the students to meet the given standards required and demand by the competitive industry. In addition, students in art institutes prefer profit making and market orientated disciplines; such as Communication Design, Architecture, Interior Design, Textile Design and Multimedia Arts (M. Sher Ali, 2014).In response, private universities in Pakistan and countries around the world have enhanced their standards by introducing these art courses, giving students the freedom to study the courses that interests them. Collaboration across higher educational institutions and the creative industry provides opportunities for students to establish networks that bridge the gap across learning and practice. It can be argued that the collaboration of HEI and the creative industry and the interchangeability of knowledge between the two is as essential as it is for any other sector. The relationship between higher education and the creative economy is an evolving one, with both complementing each other. For example, teaching and training has a considerable influence on the development of local skills and graduates entering the labor market with sound knowledge and critical thinking skills eventually contribute to the cultural economy as a whole. However despite this, it is unfortunate that weak career prospects for art graduates have led to the conclusion that the development of creative human capital is less important than in other sectors. Moreover, while the transfer of knowledge between academia and industry is common for the fields of science and technology, it is not in the case of arts. When in fact the evidence suggests that the lack of knowledge transfer between the institutions and the industries is what creates this gap, and addressing it is the only way to bridge it. FINDINGS & ANALYSIS Thematic analysis interprets the data collected based on the remarks of Ma’am Salima Hashmi, and Ma’am NzaishAttaullah, on the significance and impact of short courses and diplomas, recorded in the interview conducted and the questionnaire session with the alumni of LSFD. In exploring students’ narratives research findings were drawn by empirical data collected was generated through semi structured filmed interviews with students and art educationalists.. The sample comprising of 6 participants was used to document data in the form of a documentary. The insight from the study has been coded and can be used for further research and development for the understanding of educational art practices in Pakistan. Table 5 – Themes derived from the coded texts THEMES ACCORDING TO THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK CODES ̄ Unlimited Career opportunities / Career opportunities/ There are a lot of opportunities for young arts/ designers ̄ Job prospects are higher ̄ A lot of opportunity in the industry ̄ Gives direction to one’s goal ̄ Art & design courses are beneficial ̄ Diploma and short courses have been beneficial ̄ Gave direction to life /pursuing the goal in life ANALOGIES Unlimited career opportunities for young artists/ designers in the industry Job prospects are higher Diploma & short courses in Art & design is beneficial; helps in pursuing one’s goal in life THEMES Career in arts Diploma and short courses ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄ /Changed life/ Skills achieved can help to achieve goal Built confidence Recommended for students /These courses are recommended Students today prefer short courses Affordable costs as compared to degree Short courses and diplomas are acceptable to the world today Learn a lot from these courses It enhances skills /Achieved skills /Help in achieving skills /Enhance ability and polish skills Good output personality grooming a need for the practitioners Need to learn new information ̄ Dedication polishes in born skills ̄ Creativity /Skills help to attain creativity ̄ Critical thinking, problem solving / ̄ Communication/ Enhanced communication, collaboration /Help to attain skills to communicate/ provided with an opportunity to communicate and collaborate/ Improved interpersonal skills- gained ability to influence others ̄ Enhance design skills ̄ Enhanced management and organization skills ̄ Innovation Students prefer short courses and acceptable to the world today These courses help in enhancing / polishing skills Builds confidence and grooms personality One can learn a lot of from these courses and a need for practitioners These courses --- creativity , critical thinking, problem solving, interpersonal skills helping one to communicate and collaborate Enhance design skills, management and organizational skills Learning 21st century skills ̄ keeps updated with the market requirements for hiring ̄ Skills help in research and development ̄ Can use these skills in the market ̄ Need for such institutes that teach short courses ̄ Qualification should be focused on subject matter ̄ Need for the students of today ̄ Awareness is needed / Short courses awareness needed ̄ Awareness of short course education will increase its value Skills achieved can be utilized in the market Awareness needed Art & design sector Pakistan CONCLUSION Art courses are very important to young artists and the society in general. 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Dougherty, Allison R. Lombardi. (2016) From Vocational Education to Career Readiness: The Ongoing Work of Linking Education and the Labor Market https://doi.org/10.3102%2F0091732X16678602 Siegel, S. (2009). A Meaningful High School Diploma. Phi Delta Kappan, 90(10), 740–744. https://doi.org/10.1177/003172170909001012 Stokrocki, M. (1991). A Decade of Qualitative Research in Art Education: Methodological Expansions and Pedagogical Explorations. Visual Arts Research,17(1), 42-51. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20715742 Tremblay, K., Lalancette, D. &Roseveare, D. (2012) Assessment of Higher Education Learning Outcomes –AHELO, Feasibility Study Report, Vol 1, Design and Implementation www.oecd.org/education/skills-beyond-school/AHELO... Ulbricht, J. (2005). What Is Community-Based Art Education? Art Education, 58(2), 6-12. www.jstor.org/stable/27696059 Vande Zande, R. (2010). Teaching design education for cultural, pedagogical, and economic aims. Studies in Art Edication 51(3), 248261.https://doi.org/10.1080/00393541.2010.11518806 Vande Zande, R. (2011). Design issues group report. National Art Education Assocoation NAEA News 53(2), 17.http://www.jstor.com/stable/40650512 Williams, G. (1978). In Defence of Diplomas. Higher Education, 7(3), 363-371, www.jstor.org/stable/3445650 Wolf, A. (2011). Review of Vocational Education – The Wolf Report. Wolf, K., & Fulton, M. (2017, September 7). The Importance of Arts Education in Workforce Preparation – Ed Note. https://ednote.ecs.org/the-importance-of-artseducation-in-workforce-preparation/ APPENDIX – A Theoretical framework Career in arts Diplomas and short courses Learning 21st century skills Art and design sector of Pakistan Table 6- Group – A, Transcribed interviews Q1 P1 DATA TRANSCRIBED ON THE BASE OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS What roles do diploma and short courses play in your life, how does Art and Design education prepare practitioners for jobs in the industrials sector? Basically, I am still earning from my qualification and that’s the major role it played in my life. I didn’t had to change my field and whatever I learned, possibilities opened up for me and from that it’s a continuous process of earning and learning. As far as practitioners are concerned or new people, the first thing is your goal and focus… what you want to do and what not, in which study you want go… you have to choose a subject, wether you want to become a fashion designer, textile designer, interior designer, you have to focus on your target goals and spend time to achieve them. P2 Yes, these diplomas are very helpful and they helped me out to pursue my dream job as a fashion designer. I have done my graduation in information technology but that was not good for me so I did my diploma in Fashion design. I think these courses are helpful to the new students who want to become a designer or want to work as an artist, so I think these diplomas are very helpful, like for those who cannot complete their four year education for some reason, these diploma courses are helpful for their work and also for their personality grooming. ANALOGIES Job opportunities opened up after qualifying with a diploma Diploma qualification is beneficial in earning Diplomas are helpful in : pursuing the goal in life personality grooming P3 Once you dedicated with the subject, no doubt, theory is contemporary need for the practitioners, you can't stop learning, you can't say that you're not dedicated to this; you have to be a learner in your field. So once you're dedicated to your industrial sector, you may go for the courses or short courses or after that, in the fast mechanism. So, yes, it should be after post graduation, like i did simultaneously with my degree courses. So you are quite mature enough to deal with the professional diplomas, so that's the main in my case i have done that like this. P4 Art and design diploma gives us a focused life on our subjective, that we have to move on to give us a passion and goal what we really want to become. Basically, diploma indulge us in a very basic studies that we basically want for our field and experience in art and design studies as I experienced it critically gave us an idea of how to communicate, how to criticize, and how to enhance our experience in design. Q2 P1 What do you think about awareness in Pakistan about art education for those who cannot afford the expense of art education i.e. degree (four-year program)? Basically, the attraction of four year degree is there as far as the expense of art education is concerned there is always some expense for material and tools… the advantage is the level of work done in diplomas offered by LSFD in less fee as compared to the fee structure charged in the name of degrees is three times more. As far as, if you want the expense level to be zero where you do not want to pay, for that the government has made vocational training institutes but they are not producing designers they are producing labour… there is expense for the tools and materials it can’t be free of cost. P2 I believe those students or those kids who are talented, but do not have resources their talent is being wasted, I believe, if we have good institutes that are teaching short courses with focused contexts which are important for you rather than studying contexts unnecessarily for four years that is not important for you, unlike algebra, so I believe if you do not want to study that, then bring these students in the line where they can pursue ahead with these diplomas. So, this is very good. P3 This person who is passionate about his field, I think can conquer any type of education because they are well aware and can't help on, out there way too heartbreaking, I think is the core that pays off. So, I think first semester should be waved off of course with the consent of the teachers can easily decide that, to invest on the student or not. So, my suggestion is one semester, should be waved off … and after that it’s completely on you to decide on that for the students, you have to given him, the leverage on the admin job or something. P4 Art and design short courses are very beneficial for those who can't afford a four year degree programs and they can enhance your ability through short courses and diplomas, and they can polish their skills through these diplomas and short courses. If you have opportunity for diplomas, you should go and do that. In our country like Pakistan, where education is.. lack of education there should be short courses and diplomas, but now a need for the practitioners Gives direction to ones goal Help to attain skills to communicate, critical thinking Enhance design skills Affordable costs as compared to degree Need for such institutes that teach short courses Qualification should be focused on subject matter Need for the students of today Awareness is needed Art & design courses are beneficial Enhance ability and polish skills Q3 students and people are coming towards it, now it's going to be trendy. People are coming towards diplomas and short courses, instead of going towards four year degree programs. They prefer to come in short courses and take your skills and come in the field. What skills did you acquire after your diploma/short course in Arts P1 Skills comes from assignments how much time you spend on research & development, market awareness, strengths whatever you learn from your study ultimately you apply are skills…. skills apart you need confidence to work in the market or future, that u can do it many people do not get success in the market an experience some failures if u are determined and focus that you will not quit and keep on trying then certain level ur creativity is left nothing else. P2 I did my major in fashion designing and I have been working for the past 5 years in different multinational brands. This has provided me with a great opportunity to interact and groom in a diverse environment. P3 I think skills are present in everyone and have to polish and focus so i think should have dedication, I prefer dedication, so Allah tala has given skills to everyone and its upto you how you use and polish it So I prefer should be more dedicated and pursue it. P4 I gained creativity, innovation, an ability to generate ideas and concepts; design and visualization skills by hand and CAD, adobe, illustrator, in design etc This has also enhanced commercial awareness and business knowledge and confidence. It improved my interpersonal communication skills. Ability to negotiate and influence others, good organization and management. Q4 Students today prefer short courses Skills help in research and development Help in achieving skills Can use these skills in the market Provided with an opportunity to communicate and collaborate Dedication polishes in born skills Improved interpersonal skills- gained ability to influence others Enhanced management and organization skills Creativity Innovation How can you apply 21st century skills in your practice? P1 Whether it is 21st century or any other, you should keep on updating yourself and your skills according to the latest market trends, learn and understand you can always learn online but for that you need to get some training and it is necessary; only then you can bring about change, you cannot work without getting yourself updated. P2 I think skills are very important for you. I must say that, starting with the communication, we can communicate with other people to share their knowledge.The experiments, and then collaborate with them to make a good thing. Then, a creative thing, you put your own thinking with the experiments, and then you should critique do that work. And I think, you will make a masterpiece. P3 You have to be having in yourself the communication skills, and the creativity. Some of with, collaboration, in which you can indulge with the people of your fields. Plus, critique your own work in which you can add up to your skills enhancing them and upgrade them. That's it. Need to learn new information keep updated with the market requirement for hiring Communication Creativity Critical thinking and problem solving Skills help to attain Creativity Critical thinking Communication P4 Through out my study at Lahore school of fashion design I learned how to Enhanced communicate with the people's influence other people, and our creativity and collaboration with the people is very important when you collaborate to the people you basically send them a message. And most importantly, the critical. Critics on their and other works, in a very respective, and in very individual and in very intellectual way. Q5 P1 Do you think there are career opportunities for art & design graduates? Youngsters have a lot of opportunities as bigger brands appreciates internship a lot, the reason is that the work you take from young designers is creative and new, rather than taking from a person who is working on contemporary for the past five to ten years, his brain and mind will be different, so for the young designers the market has and always will been good… the older you are the more you are expensive and young is always cheap. P2 There are unlimited career opportunities after doing graduation in arts and design. A person can become a professional artist, illustrator, sell their services from the comfort of home or become a freelancer and also become a fashion designer. The job prospect after arts degree is wider. P3 Absoloutly, yes I think if there was one for me then everyone has an opportunity what ever industry, even if you proceed in your subject you get opportunities, its upto you how much command you have on your skills and how much you are dedicated to give back even in a private company or government sector, as you can see the field of art and design is vast and the career opportunities are vast as well. P4 Yes, it's a very good question. Every time young minds, young brains shoot a new idea. That is very acceptable for the world. But the goal is to basically change the concepts in the world. So every time when you come up with a new idea or new concepts and new things, all over the world you recognize and people accept your idea and give you a feel but with hard work and dedication if you are best in your work or doing best in your field, then you can change the concepts old concepts and mindsets. As new ideas, acceptable for the world. Being a fashion designer when I came in this industry. I was like, zero, I was learning these two things I was doing, but with fresh ideas, and with dedication. Now I am doing fashion boutique and I'm doing very good. Now, What else I'm saying for the career opportunities you have to build your opportunity for yourself if you are hard working if you dedicate to your work, then you can make up your opportunities. Q6 P1 How did short courses change your life and what will you suggest the new learners in art education? The answer for this is not that simple, if you see market trends or different brands or according to the requirements of people …still there are people who emphasize on hiring a person with typical brand education and the kids who do not qualify they get demoralize but if we set this aside, there is a 60 -65 % area where you do adjust……. with the passage of time if we talk about today like google and tesla they have started certificates and short programs, which have been the theory of LSFD ie. to focus on to the point study and to avoid junk studies, once this awareness prevails in the Communication, collaboration and creativity There are a lot of opportunities for young arts/ designers Unlimited Career opportunities Job prospects are higher A lot of opportunity in the industry Skills achieved can help to achieve goal Short courses and diplomas are acceptable to the world today Career opportunities Short courses awareness needed Awareness of short course world, within few year time there will be a value for these courses and the junk studies you do for 25 years will be excluded. P2 With these short courses i have become a fashion designer, which I dreamt of like when I was a kid. So, I have been watching my mother working as a boutique owner. So, I believe, that i achieved through diploma education and i am working as a fashion designer, So I think this is very helpful for me, because, in start i graduated in IT and then whenever I went for admission at PIFD or any other, i was told that you have crossed your learning time and that i am not eligible to apply for graduation, that you are not freshly passed, that they only perfer freshly graduates for these courses. It is written in there outline that only fresh graduate can apply, yeah i got a great help from these short courses because I was taught under experimented and talented teachers and now you can see me where I am. I think for new learners my suggestion is to make use of theses short courses. Don't become shy in saying that you have done short courses and don’t feel that you haven’t pursue a four year program. So, I think go for it it'll be very helpful. education will incearse its value Diploma and short courses have been beneficial These courses are recommended P3 If i share my personal experience, I after my masters, cleared my modules, Learn a lot from i was focused, with my position and i knew i need to study more in these subjects, so i had an idea what i was doing. I was well aware for this so i will suggest the students should be aware of the subject they need to study, its possibilities, they should know they need to work hard for it, wether they come after intermediate or after graduation, or after post graduation these short courses are really good and you can learn alot, and from this learning you can enhance your skills and you can give your output or input, both, with that subject, so I think it justified. P4 My love and my passion for design gave me direction to be a fashion designer, fashion, a diploma, for fashion design gave me lots of skills lots of directions and a lot of confidence to be able to be a fashion designer. So it's very good. It's changed of all my life. To be a recognized person in the society, it's very good for upcoming students and learners I would suggest to be focused on your goal, and when you are coming in the field then learn about them, don’t just take up the short ways of the life. Just come learn and dedicate your whole, your hard work to this work, in a respective way. If you work in your respective field, very emotionally then you can achieve all and all goals you have in mind and life. these courses It enhances skills Good output Gave direction to life Achieved skills Built confidence Changed life Recommended for students Table 7 - Group – BTranscribed Interviews INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Q 1 Ans A What roles did diploma and short courses play in your life, how did Art and Design educate and prepare you for jobs in the industrial sector? The courses that I studied in it so happened at that time art and design didn’t have degree courses, So I got diplomas, and that was what I wanted to do. I was fairly sure that i wanted a career, both as an artist ANALOGIES The art and design courses prepare one to B Q Ans 2 and as a photographer and as a teacher, and these courses prepared me. I think fairly adequately both in Pakistan and in Britain, which is where I went for higher studies. achieve career goals According to the nomenclatures of today, it was until after the 80s in Pakistan, and about the same time this changed in institutions overseas, it became BA, MA, for example England,one the of the oldest schools, the Royal College of Arts, they used to just have the MA but that was a three year, because in today's nomenclature you'll start arguingg, then that would be an Mphil, this is not important because you have to look at what is the purpose why certain things were done. So these academic programs in art & design schools, even architecture schools, today the architectural Association schools which is the AA, it gives a diploma, so that doesn't mean that the person is in some way lesser than somebody who does a bachelor's in architecture. We must not get confused with this with the other technical degrees. Because there are examples of technical degrees, for example, a big argument that we had about giving a degree to students of the Pakistan Institute of fashion and design, and I was leading that argument with the HEC; Because, its affiliation with La Syndicale, France gave a diploma; but they have to then get an equivalence because they said nobody has asked us this question ever before. Why are we being asked this question now, we will ask you to compare the top school in Europe for factory design, and at the end of four years or something we give this diploma, because we have technical diploma, that was the argument …based on that argument we then had the students do some extra courses and they all got degrees all eighty three of them. Okay, so I pat myself on the back that i am responsible for that, that very important decision to the people who are not getting jobs over here. Today, the problem here is that people want jobs, so everything is related to the job market. They think that if we have a diploma and somebody else has a degree, then that person with the degree will be preferred to our diploma. So, let us put all this aside, because that has to do with the, tight system that the government has created about degree vs diploma, when you want to get a job with the Punjab Public Services Commission, they will not even look at you if you bring a diploma and say I've come to get, get a teaching job.So we put this argument aside and I think I've made it quite clear to you that this degree vs diploma, you have to see what the intention of that diploma is. Diploma is not lesser than the degree How does art education help students in looking for design industry jobs? Art education I think generally makes you aware of all the possibilities that they are within a field, because it opens your mind up to psychological needs of others, it opens your mind up to the use of materials, it opens your mind up to your context, and how to be collaborative. Therefore I think these are extremely useful courses. People prefer qualifications that are related to the market trends Government needs to review and make way foe research in education Creates awareness Understand use of materials and technology Collaboration Okay. It can be video making it can be it can be. I don't know some kind of computer skill. It can be some short or something to do specifically it scene animation. It can be any of these things. Okay, many things like that person when they go to the market. Actually, and they go to look for jobs, people are interested in what they can do. They Skill is important for job prospects are interested in the skill that they have. Then they feel, yes. Okay, you should have a basic requirement. I mean, you know, on some kind of educational level, but they're not particularly in to get a PhD to come and do the job of a technician technical help you understand the purpose is completely different. So I think that actually diploma programs, technical diploma programs, they even talking about doing a technical metric, I think it's an excellent idea. Q 3 Ans A Why do you think there is a need for setting up an art educational training program part of schools in Pakistan? For a long time it was felt that people who are professionals that had professional skills in their field, they said they did not do very well as teachers. And therefore, I mean, I for myself for very a long time, felt the need for art education courses in Pakistan. So that professionals had that extra sensitivity to how to impart their knowledge, their professionalism to others. And that comes when you are actually trained and educated as an education professional in art education. Need for art education courses in Pakistan Recognized field B Q 4 Today, it is a recognized field. And that program that you saw at LUMS that was talking about this field of art education. Now, art education programs, ideally speaking should be located along with art and design schools. By that I mean colleges or universities or whatever. Sometimes they're not sometimes their retail education program. You know only an education program, they may have to move to there. There can be advantages and disadvantages to that, but that is not what we are arguing. What we are saying is that art and design, art education as a field is there are people who are educated in that particular scene. They can be employed in schools in secondary schools primary schools at every kind of level of teaching and learning. Because they learn all the multiple ways in which teaching and learning in the arts occur. They understand the pedagogical challenges. And they understand that in the in the pedagogy, where what the place is what the location is of something like art education because for many years not now, but many moons ago. What used to happen was that anybody who graduated with a degree, or whatever it was called at that time. When, and they got a job, on the basis of their ma or their be honors or whatever they did. They didn't have any idea about education in the arts at all. When art education programs, actually started you know they were started, primarily, first of all, at beacon-house National University where they started this low residency program in art. art education, and then subsequently MA and now PIFD is doing it and now. Other people are also thinking of that because they need a corpus of people to teach. Okay. And those programs have become important because they have been recognized and you can do make a difference in a school situation where you have people who just have degrees in art, and you have people who have degrees in art but were specialized in art in art education, then what happens is the whole picture changes, and you'll find that they're actually more effective as communicators as teachers. They because they have a better understanding of what kind of teaching methodology. They should be using for teaching the arts. In what ways art education /degree /diploma has made a difference for the practitioners in the art and design sector for jobs? Career prospects are higher Ans A I think one of the best ways to judge the results and the effects of art education programs, is to look at how they have been applied in schools and colleges. And I think that the answer lies in the satisfaction of the students who benefit from the teachers who've been through these programs. Because there is immediate improvement in the way that they resolve pedagogical problems and the way they relate to their classes. So the results are very, very obvious. And those schools and those colleges that have benefited from people who've qualified in art education will be able to tell you because the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Application of these courses in the institutes B The whole modern day industry that is in areas such as television, graphic design institutions, for example textile factories from the 60s onwards, the time when you got graduates who were actually educated in art and design, either that was a diploma level or at a degree level, these people came with the kind of energy and understanding of visual aesthetics and a practical knowledge and of how that visual ethic is to be translated, they had a much better idea of what to do so consequently, they were then absorbed in those markets, and they were the pioneers in so many ways, for example, Ghazala Rehman who trained as a painter, and of today as a furniture designer started her career, working for television; for example, Sheereen Pasha who's one of your top filmmakers today in particularly in Making of documentaries and had taught at the National College of Arts started off as a painter, Shakir Ali was her teacher and she then went and studied further and so on and then she came in she got a job with PTV and made the most wonderful programs for them. The advantage that they had was that he came with that kind of knowledge of the principles of design, the aesthetics of the art and design, understanding of color, understanding of typography understanding of spatial relationships,understanding of how things are made, they even made things with their own hands, they were very innovative; and so when they went into industry with that kind of energy, and ability to innovate and they became the modern designers of the 60s and 70s 80s. Art and design helped many in their careers Q 5 Ans A In your opinion how important are 21st century skills and how can they be used in leaning art and design as education? I always question this business of 21st century skills, what are they? 21st century skills, I think in Pakistan, we have nearly made it to 20th century skills. And therefore, perhaps what we are talking about is the use of technology. But I feel that technology without adequate knowledge and broadening of the mind and understanding of philosophical understanding, or what you're about is failing us useless. It's like an empty in party or something in a very mechanical way. So for me, 21st century skills are those that make use of certain facilities that are very much part of the 21st century. But they're also very mindful of history they're very mindful of all the 20th century skills or the 17th century skills and everything that has been there before. And that comes when you see things in context. And perhaps one of the best thing that’s happened in the 21st century, is making us aware of the world at large starting from the person looking at the community, looking at what is beyond the community, what lies beyond the nation, and looking at humanity as a board. That to me is a 21st century skill. Increased their Knowledge and understanding Technological skills along with the understanding of theoretical knowledge B 21st century skills are critical to learning today. We cannot ignore them. And if we cannot ignore them in all the other fields how can we ignore them in art and design education. They are a part and parcel of art in design education. So, everyone should have a knowledge, my little 12 year old granddaughter is better at using equipment than I am. Because I'm not of the Z generation, I am somebody who was born in 1950, I'm really ancient. Okay. So I've had to learn all this in my lifetime. We had to do everything by hand. We had the camera, regular camera, it was not a digital camera was an analog camera, suddenly all those things don't exist any longer. Everything is changed technologically so rapidly in the past 50 years that today where we are standing, is we are not. If we don't have the knowledge of the current days skills at our fingertips we will be left behind. Because everything is changing, and new technologies are coming up and new ways of doing things are coming up, and we have to keep pace with what is happening across the world because we now live in a very different world, to the world. When I was growing up, let's put it like that. Skills are important in today’s world Cannot ignore them or will be left behind APPENDIX – B Figure 2 Source: Framework to explore the relationship between the Higher education and the creative economy – (Comunian& Gilmore 2015:10) Figure 2 Source: UNESCO (2009) framework of cultural statistics