Different By Design: LCI Melbourne's Creative Pedagogy
LCI Melbourne's Different By Design approach translates the key characteristics of effective creatives into actionable pedagogy. The institution nurtures curiosity by encouraging active participation and presence in the learning journey. Compassion is instilled by focusing on human-centered art, design and entrepreneurship, prioritising the impact on users' dignity, empowerment, and personal security.
LCI Melbourne instils courage by urging learners to lean into their inherent potential, fostering mastery of art and design principles, and an entrepreneurship mindset, through embracing mistakes and risks as integral parts of the creative process. Conviction is woven into the curriculum by modelling honesty, transparency, and legal accountability, ensuring a balance between profit, people, planet, practice, and purpose.
In the realm of higher education, particularly within LCI Melbourne, the approach to creativity differs significantly from traditional disciplines. At LCI Melbourne, creativity is not confined to text-based assessments. It unfolds in performances, moving images, digital works, presentations and pitches, and tangible artifacts like 3D models, fashion garments, paintings, or sculptures. These works showcase individual authorship, emphasising originality and subjective elements. The Different By Design approach amplifies creativity through thematic learning grounded in real-life experiences, fostering connections across time, place, and disciplines.
The journey unfolds over two years and six trimesters, each with a distinct focus. The first year emphasises personal growth—exploration, foundation, and a deep understanding of social, cultural, and environmental stewardship. The second-year shifts to professional growth, navigating the global creative industries, real-world industry briefs, and finally, the culmination of a student's professional voice in their capstone work during the Self phase.
This thematic approach transcends traditional classroom boundaries, aligning with cooperative learning principles. It ensures that learning is not only comprehensive but also personally meaningful and transferable to real-world contexts. Self, Place, and the Other are not just themes; they are integral to shaping a transformative educational experience.
In essence, LCI Melbourne's Different By Design approach embodies a holistic philosophy, nurturing both personal and professional development. It goes beyond the conventional, echoing Sir Ken Robinson's call for a paradigm shift in education—a shift towards embracing creativity not as an extra but as a core element of one’s educational journey.
