Use of workshops in teaching

Utilisation of Workshops in Teaching

There are several ways in which students may engage with the workshops as part of their coursework:

• Student groups may participate in designated courses, wherein all members attend the workshop simultaneously.
• Alternatively, students may attend individually to receive guidance tailored to their specific needs, subject to the availability of workshop staff. It should be noted that during periods of high demand, opportunities for one-to-one support may be limited.

Interested in incorporating the workshop into your teaching?

Reserved Periods

At the commencement of each semester (weeks 33 to 39 during the autumn term and week 3 in the spring term), the workshop is closed during daytime hours to facilitate training of new students. During these intervals, the workshop operates in the evenings with reduced capacity. Consequently, it is not possible to reserve the wood, plastics, metal, or interaction workshops during the day throughout this training period.

In December and May, workshop activity intensifies due to impending submission deadlines, which results in limited availability of assistance and supervision from workshop technicians.

Please be advised that complex or resource-intensive activities should not be scheduled during these busy periods.

Registration of Teaching Activities

To gain access to the workshops, the activity must be submitted via this form by the following deadlines:

• Autumn semester: 15th June
• Spring semester: 15th November

Submit activity in nettskjema

Upon confirmation of the semester timetable, the workshop supervisor will advise whether the proposed activity can proceed. In addition, you are required to prepare a Safe Job Analysis (SJA) (see below) and to have the task brief ready for the students. It is imperative that you first familiarise yourself with the relevant information available on this webpage.

Download and fill out SJA-form (pdf)

Carrying Out Workshop Activities

• Prior to the commencement of any project, both academic staff and students are required to complete a Safe Job Analysis (SJA). This process involves careful planning of the work to be undertaken and the implementation of appropriate safety measures.
  Download and fill out SJA-form (pdf)
• It is expected that the academic supervisor remains actively involved in the workshop throughout the duration of the project, providing ongoing guidance and support to the students.

Health, Safety and Environment

During both the planning and execution of projects, the following principles must be upheld:

• Prevention of accidents and undesired incidents.
• Compliance with the Working Environment Act (or relevant health and safety legislation).
• Timely reporting of any incidents, accidents, or near misses, in accordance with institutional health and safety procedures.

Ensuring Academic Quality and Learning Outcomes

To maintain a high standard of learning within the workshops, the following elements must be in place:

• A well-prepared workshop supervisor with a clear understanding of the course activities.
• Task distribution among staff based on individual expertise and professional experience.
• Students who arrive prepared, with a realistic understanding of what can be achieved in the workshop environment.
• Students who bring clear sketch models or drawings that communicate their goals and ideas.
• Active involvement from course tutors and academic staff during the workshop period.
• Clear and shared expectations regarding model requirements between students and instructors.
• Supportive and approachable workshop supervisors who offer tailored guidance according to the student's skill level and the complexity of the project.
• Considered and effective use of workshop space.

The Primary Purpose of the Workshops

The workshops support a wide range of student activities, including:

• The construction of scale models representing objects, buildings, urban spaces, or landscapes.
• The creation of full-scale mock-ups, functional prototypes, and appearance models.
• The building of fully operational, full-scale prototypes.
• Independent construction work that may fall outside the formal curriculum, but nonetheless contributes meaningfully to the student’s academic and professional development.

Materials and Services

The workshop offers a selection of materials for purchase and can assist with procurement when needed. If materials are to be covered by the department or course budget, the course tutor must place the order directly with the workshop.

Requests for specialised services such as CNC milling, manual milling, knife cutting, and 3D printing are also managed through the workshop. An individual order will be created for each course that requires such services.

Any questions?

If you require further information, please contact the workshops via verksted@aho.no.