Skills laboratory and enhancement of practical competence among interior design students in the department of art and Industrial Design Kyambogo University

Abstract

The study was carried out in the department of Art and Industrial Design particularly focusing on the Interior Design program to assess the occupational training provided by the department to the graduates. It was guided by four objectives; Examining the existing teaching and learning processes in the Department of Art and Industrial Design, establishing a skills lab by renovating and organizing the available resources, utilize the established lab in skills and competence acquisition and evaluate the impact of utilizing the skills lab on acquisition of skills and competence among interior designers. The main findings showed that the graduates lacked competence and confidence due to inadequate practice. It was deliberated that a skills lab be established to solve the problem. Descriptive study design was employed, taking a qualitative approach based on a sample of 35 respondents comprised of; Instructors, graduates already working, continuing students, technicians, experts from the world of work and administrative staff (secretary and Head of department). These were selected purposively to avail the relevant information. Data was collected using individual interviews, focus group discussions, documentary analysis, discussion and dialog using the future workshop tool. The skills lab helped students to gain skills in color selection for interior spaces, handling tools and materials for painting and practical skills in applying various paint effects in different hues. They also acquired skills in operating and maintaining sewing machines, curtain making, installing curtain rods and dressing the curtains. Lastly they acquired social skills like interpersonal relationships, delegation, responsibility, collaboration, creativity, research and critical thinking through group learning and project based learning.