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The use of guest speakers in college classes is a well-accepted pedagogical practice, but the academic literature has generally been based on instructors' or event organizers' anecdotal reflections about individual experiences. Research based upon student considerations of this practice has been especially sparse. The purpose of this study is to explore student perceptions of guest speakers to determine what value students find in them. A qualitative survey was administered to 114 students, who answered questions about their prior experiences with and expectations of industry guest speakers. The results showed that 86.1% of respondents who had previously been enrolled in a college class that featured an industry guest speaker liked the experience, especially if the guest currently worked in a field related to course content, spoke enthusiastically and honestly, and answered questions. In particular, participants appreciated hearing insider information about the speaker's day-to-day work life, as well as advice for their own career paths. Recommendations are provided to university educators as guidance for improving student experiences and engagement with guest speakers, especially those from the fashion industry.

The growing number of online and hybrid graduate programs and their particular relevance to older female students suggests the salience of hybrid education for female-dominated degrees such as apparel merchandising and design (AMD). The current study reports on the initial iteration of an action research assessment of the hybrid option of an AMD doctoral program, which investigated the strengths and weaknesses of the program options, student satisfaction, and the preparedness of hybrid doctoral graduates for careers in academia. Qualitative data was collected from ten students and four faculty of the program. Findings indicated faculty expertise, peer/faculty/staff interactions, and opportunities for research as strengths of the hybrid option. Weaknesses included lack of course offerings in hybrid formats and inadequate guidance for completing degree processes. Hybrid students were satisfied with the program option and felt similar levels of preparedness for careers in academia as students in the on-campus option. Recommendations are being implemented by the program under study and are provided here for other administrators and faculty of AMD-related hybrid doctoral programs.

The use of guest speakers in college classes is a well-accepted pedagogical practice, but the academic literature has generally been based on instructors' or event organizers' anecdotal reflections about individual experiences. Research based upon student considerations of this practice has been especially sparse. The purpose of this study is to explore student perceptions of guest speakers to determine what value students find in them. A qualitative survey was administered to 114 students, who answered questions about their prior experiences with and expectations of industry guest speakers. The results showed that 86.1% of respondents who had previously been enrolled in a college class that featured an industry guest speaker liked the experience, especially if the guest currently worked in a field related to course content, spoke enthusiastically and honestly, and answered questions. In particular, participants appreciated hearing insider information about the speaker's day-to-day work life, as well as advice for their own career paths. Recommendations are provided to university educators as guidance for improving student experiences and engagement with guest speakers, especially those from the fashion industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the findings related to the second part of a continuing study of student impressions of the industry guest speaker experience in college fashion courses: student perceptions of virtual guest speakers. Data from 130 participants who were enrolled in the researchers' textile and apparel classes at two United States universities were analyzed. Findings suggested that although there are disadvantages to the use of virtual industry guest visits, many students find them useful and enlightening. While respondents overall preferred in-person visits, student concern with technological issues seems to have lessened during the forced move to online coursework during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they have come to realize that the online medium, especially through the "chat" functionality found in videoconferencing platforms, can be an effective way to ask questions. Suggestions are made for instructors considering the use of the virtual medium for industry speaker visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millions of Americans see theatrical productions every year, each with performers clothed via costume design. The purpose of this study was to systematically examine the creative process of costume design for historically set theatrical productions. Sixteen Broadway costume designers were interviewed. Data analysis revealed that though each designer and every production is different, these costume designers approached historically set productions similarly. They believed that the presentation of history is essential, but they have their own inclination toward historical accuracy. Guided by their inclinations, they designed costumes by considering three independent production factors (applicability, attainability, and performability) and implementing four iterative strategies (incubation, research, role-playing, and historical manipulation). Through these findings, the authors developed a theoretical framework for the creative process of costume design for historically set productions. Semiotics and symbolic interactionism were applied. Analysis showed that both were unconsciously embraced by the contemporary Broadway costume designers who participated in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]