LESSON PLAN – The Shoe Factory
Theme – Group Activity Simulation
KEY SKILLS – Communication, Numeracy, Problem Solving, Information and Communication
Technology, Working With Others, Improving Own Learning &Performance
WORK RELATED LEARNING – Learning Through Work, Learning For Work, Learning About Work
COMPETENCIES – *ai, *aii, *aiii, *aiv, *bi, *bii, *cii, *di, **ei, **eiii, **eiv, **ev, **evi, ***fii,
***fiii, ***fiv, ***hiii, ***jiv, ***jv, ***kiv, ***kvi, ****li, ****mi, ****ni, ****pi
SUGGESTED SUBJECT AREA – Art, English, Personal Development, Social Studies
Learning Outcomes
By completing this task students will be able to:
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Work collaboratively to design a pair of sandals.
Practice presentation skills.
Understand the importance of teamwork.
Preparation and Materials
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Copy of Teachers’ Notes (1), (2) and (3).
Copies of the Info Sheet “The Shoe Factory” for each student.
Copies of the Activity Sheet “The Shoe Factory” for each group.
Materials as specified in Teachers’ Notes.
If adults other than teachers are to be used as advisers for certain tasks, all must be well briefed about
the task.
Method
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Explain the aims of the exercise using the learning outcomes at the top of the Info Sheet.
Introduce the lesson using the briefing on the Teachers’ Notes.
Give out copies of the Info Sheet and Activity Sheets to groups of up to 8 students. Talk through Info
Sheet and ask the students to complete the Activity Sheet by deciding who does what within their
group.
Evaluation should highlight the outcomes achieved by the students.
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6.
Task completed.
Presentation (if appropriate) made.
Group and team accomplished joint skills.
Ask the students what they have learned form the lesson.
Summarise the main learning outcomes.
Extension Activity
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The presentation could be made in a foreign language.
TEACHERS’ NOTES (1) – The Shoe Factory
Objectives
This simulation will give students the opportunity to work as a team at solving problems and meeting
deadlines. In fulfilling this principle objective the students will gain an insight into the design problems
faced by manufacturers and will, through communication and teamwork, produce a sandal which will
compete against others.
Procedures
Working in groups of no more than eight, students will – with the materials provided – design, produce and
market a sandal aimed at the teenage market.
The adult other than teachers will be available to offer assistance (if you have helpers).
All materials should be available on each table along with the Info Sheets. The presentation either in the
afternoon over the course of another lesson will be to the other groups and will be judged according to the
criteria given on the Teachers’ Notes (3). The adults other than teachers can take on the role of judges.
Students will be awarded points for innovative presentations including advertising jingles, “set up”
interviews and any other gimmicks. The price and durability of the sandal will also attract points for the
presentation.
Resources
Materials as specified in the step by step guide on Teachers’ Notes (2).
Time
Preparation in the form of explanation can take place on the day. The activity can be used for a morning, or
over a few lessons or for a full day if the presentation is included. This will depend on the school internal
organisation. Careful time-tabling is essential to avoid rushing the presentations.
Debrief
It is essential to allow for time to evaluate the activity both with the students and the helpers.
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What were the outcomes for the student – did they fulfil the objectives?
Did they work as a team?
Were they able to solve the problems?
How did this make them feel?
What have they learned?
What can they take away with them?
Helpers can contribute by reporting back on what they saw as the main learning points from the days
activities.
TEACHERS’ NOTES (2) – The Shoe Factory
Step by Step Guide
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Groups can be arranged in social groups of no more than 8.
A large area of tables set up with materials and Info Sheets is useful. Each set of tables to have:
Three big sized pieces of paper
Sewing needles
Pens
Thimbles (optional)
Wool, string, cotton
Glue
Stapler
Hole punch
4 large thick felt tip pens
Scissors, ruler and compass
Paper for notes, sketches and patterns.
In addition teachers may wish to supply tissue paper, sequins, ribbon buttons etc.
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Introduce the adults other than teachers and explain that these people should be consulted during the
activity about design, production or the presentation.
Using the Info Sheet, explain the activity – in full – to the groups.
The first task for the groups is to complete the Activity Sheet by:
Choosing a name for the company
Writing a time table of activities – using the Info Sheet
Allocating jobs according to skills and interests (design, Production, Marketing, 5 minute
presentation).
Handing this in to the control desk.
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Start design – prototypes – drawings and simple examples.
Start production – at the same time marketing and presentation ideas can begin.
Lunchtime should see the sandals finished if this is being done over a day, or possibly 3-4 lessons –
preparation for the presentation started.
For judging of the presentations, enough time must be available for all groups and for the judges to
make their decisions.
Results announced.
Debrief and evaluation, highlighting student outcomes.
Learning Outcomes: By completing this task you will be able to:
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Work collaboratively to design a pair of sandals.
Practice negotiation skills.
Practice presentation skills.
Understand the importance of teamwork.
INFO SHEET – The Shoe Factory
Student Brief
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Your group is commissioned to design a pair of sandals for the teenage
market using the materials on the tables.
The sandals will be judged at the afternoon Trade Fair Presentations
where the following criteria will be used.
Design
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Comfort
Fashion Appeal
Durability
Price
The sandals must be worn during the presentation.
Your entry will be judged by the guests who will be working with you.
Task 1 is to complete the Activity Sheet by:
Choosing a name for your company.
Allocating jobs according to your skills and interests (design,
production, marketing, 5 minute presentation).
Handing this in to the control desk.
Task 2 is to design a basic model on paper – everyone to have a go and
pool ideas.
Task 3 is to decide on the model to be used and start production.
At this point, if you are not all needed for production, work can start on
the presentation and marketing.
Remember, retail price is important and also you should try to avoid too
much waste!
By lunch time you should be at a stage where the sandals are nearly
finished and work on the presentation has started.
Soon after lunch you need to complete the sandals and complete the
presentation.
Presentation begins.
Judging and results.
Evaluation and debrief.
ACTIVITY SHEET – The Shoe Factory
Job Allocation Sheet
Name of company:
Group members:
Responsibilities
(you may all be expected to help with production)
DESIGN MANAGER
PRODUCTION MANAGER
MARKETING MANAGER
PRESENTATION DIRECTOR
You may of course have assistants but these people will take the lead on
each aspect of the tasks.
Hand in to the Control Desk