The Deakin 'Students Helping Students' and 'Students as Partners' collection: A contemporary take on the classic cut

Abstract

Fashion metaphors are used to explore the relationship between Deakin’s ‘Students Helping Students’ strategy and its emerging ‘Students as Partners’ initiative. As the curtain is raised, the current ‘tertiary trend’ of Students as Partners is seen through a global lens. The Deakin Students Helping Students and Students as Partners collection is then paraded across the runway, at once unveiling savvy design and high-quality workmanship. A key feature of both Deakin’s Students Helping Students and Students as Partners models is that they are expressions of a community of practice approach and of social learning theory, with some variations in texture and palette. This ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ show concludes that while both looks are based on a timeless, ‘classic cut’ approach to education that engages both students and staff, each trend adds colour, interest and appeal. Fashions in education are sometimes fleeting, sometimes fun, and they are sure to invigorate, refresh and challenge.