Formative feedback
Overall Comments
Well done on completing I&P, David, and for finishing off with a project that is simple and really engaging. The approach you’ve taken is markedly more straightforward and better managed than some of the other work you’ve made on the unit, and it’d be great to see you carry this into the next level of study. There’s definitely a sense of a ‘voice’ at work in this assignment, but it’s one that’s rather more understated and sure of what it is saying than in previous submissions. With the November assessment event the next one you’re likely to be ready for, you’ve got plenty of time to think about how you might present this work. It’s one that I think you should give careful consideration to- it’s got plenty of possibilities.
Naturally a lot more pleased with the positive nature of the feedback this time but as I start to realise the important of clarity with my ideas I can make sense of why a whole lot better.
Feedback on assignment Demonstration of technical and Visual Skills, Quality of Outcome, Demonstration of Creativity
• A neat, tidy conceptually clear assignment that takes a simple approach to some complex themes. This is far more straightforward than some of the other assignments you’ve done David, and is all the better for it. Whereas other assignments could be a bit convoluted, this is something whose simplicity really works in its favour.
• It’s also work that, for me, more effectively says something about your relationship with China than other assignments you’ve completed. Whereas your presence was quite prominent in the ‘stalking’ assignment, for example, here the voice is more subtle and controlled. • As well as the basic idea being simple and understated, so is the aesthetic, and I like how you’ve photographed each wall in the same ‘proscenium arch’ manner. It’s really interesting that the content of the photographs is often very loud, but the photographs themselves are very calm and understated.
• This is entirely up to you, but I think the captions you’ve used are entirely unnecessary. Have the confidence to remove them and let the photographs and introductory text carry the load: there’s no need to try and ‘over explain’ your intentions and what you are seeing- give the viewer space to make sense of the work without any clunky prods.
As we discussed I will take a closer look at the role the captions play before deciding whether or not to remove them and this might be done in a month or so to give myself a fresh perspective, I might also post it in the forum for some ideas. As for the adding clarity to the others that it top of my list to be done.
Research Context, reflective thinking, critical thinking, analysis
After several pieces of work that have explored Chinese culture, it’s good to see you think about how more effective research can help to develop – and challenge – your perspective. More please…
I will try to add more context to my other assignments to see if I can a more layers too each.
Learning Log Context, reflective thinking, critical thinking, analysis
The text that accompanies this assignment is much clearer and sparing than has been the case with other work you’ve produced for the unit, where I was often left scratching my head at what you were trying to do/ communicate. You’ve still got time to think about whether or not it’s as effective as you’d like, but do consider this when you’re mulling over the captions/ no captions issue. A thought: treat the accompanying text as if it were at the start of a book or exhibition. What mood do you want to set? Are there contextual details that you think viewers need to have?
I feel my presentation method is improving and I will try to get some consistency with my assignment reworks so that they all have a distinctive style which makes them easier to understand and tells a clearer story of what is happening in the photos.
Pointers for assessment
There’s still work to be done before submitting for assessment, but plenty of time before November to get yourself organised. The content is obviously the primary thing to consider, but don’t that navigation and clarity are vital for the digital materials. Likewise, physical prints are mandatory, so which ones you’ll send is something too think about carefully. Lots of people go for a ‘greatest hits’ compilation of the work they’ve done on a unit, but I’d be more inclined to prioritise the assignments that hang together most effectively. This one is certainly the place to start…
Keep me posted. Happy to exchange a few emails as you’re preparing for assessment. Good luck!!!
Thanks
Tutor name Andrew Conroy Date 28/5/19 Next assignment due n/a
David Leverett 
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