198
sustaInaBlE FashIon : a handBooK For Educators
part onE: jargon BustIng actIVIty
objective
To build understanding of key terms (sustainable
development, consumerism, globalisation, discourse,
communism, capitalism, postmodernism, modernism) and
encourage the student group, who may not have previously
met, to work together.
This activity was used in the first seminar - Introduction to
the Course - of the 10 week module.
Method
Divide students into small groups of around four people.
Give each group a set of words on small cards and a
set of cards with corresponding definitions. Together,
the group discusses and matches each word with the
correct definition. Once all the groups have matched the
definitions to the words, come back together as a class and
discuss the different terms.
The following are suggested questions to ask in the group
discussion:
- Does everyone understand what the definitions mean?
- Would you change the definitions in any way?
- Were you surprised by any of the definitions?
- Do any of the words provoke a particular reaction
or feeling? - Where have people come across the words before,
either in their courses or their personal life?
outcomes
The activity de-mystifies terms at the beginning of the
course. This understanding can empower students, allowing
them to confidently use and reflect on the various terms
throughout the rest of the course.
Different terms could be used when discussing other
issues. For example in a session about ethical sourcing, the
following could be used: Multi-stakeholder Initiative, Ethical
Trade, Fair Trade, Trade Union, Living Wage, etc.