Clare Johnston's blog entry

Overall I am impressed by the amazing confidence and conviction of all the USA Institutions and companies visited, even if the product was unconvincing the veneer and PR was water tight.
Confidence-We are very poor at this in the UK.

Don’t try and fix what isn’t broke.UK Design courses best in world, and there are many international examples of successful Alumni,but we don’t shout about it.

Need to be clear on intended outcomes of multi- discipline approach, what kind of graduates do we want?
Multi-disciplinary projects are already integrated into most BA and MA programmes in the UK,(cross- pollination between Institutions is newer).eg RCA developing new links with Imperial.
Might be wise to review results of these new initiatives before everyone jumps on this bandwagon.
Beware of the overpacked curriculum ,already a big problem in BA and MA.
Is there an equal case for developing some deeper and more specialist pedagogy as a point of differentiation .
Could Business /professional practise be taught as PGCE model currently offered?
Or as virtual learning.

Patrick Whitney- USA industry is more sympathetic to Education,UK generally more cynical, does UK industry understand/appreciate the high standing of UK Design education internationally, should the success of the UK Design courses be more evident.(Marketed)
Strength of many UK courses is Skill and Craft base, should be careful not to dilute this.
Sandwich courses are a good way of gaining industry experience, tend to improve awareness.
I like the idea of the old day release courses in the UK, but for more experienced workers,like the Northwest programme this naturally brings the Industry closer to the curriculum.
There may be a need to address the earliest stages of education so that there is a clear relationship, primary and secondary art and design education shouldn’t necessarily mirror or emulate further education.
Encourage Educationalists not to be scared of changing and experimenting ,at the moment there is strong pressure to hommogeonize, which will result in more blandness like our high streets.
Its been a fantastic trip a great insight,and excellent opportunity to share ideas with a cross section of UK professionals,could we meet up again and try out a mini project on creating potential courses in small teams across our areas of expertise.
Thanks have a great time in Boston.
Clare