The second way is much more structured in terms of learning how to gather information correctly, determining what kind of information is needed by asking the right questions, or even by planning ahead where to go so they can ask the right questions. That's what the primal shelter project is all about. This is the only time they're going to get a thought to the writing, drawing, designing, building stage and beyond, which is the evaluation of the reality. I have the students write evaluations about the importance of the primal shelter project because I want to know if I should give the project again. They write their evaluations at home because I find that it's really hard in studio to do much other than going around and evaluating their designs.
Students tend to socialize more in class ,and that's part of learning.
I find that the students who put their concepts into drawing rather than just talking about it end up with better designs. When I draw on the board or when they do draw for their team, everyone can see what they're talking about.