The Competencies of Fashion Design Teachers in Public Institutions of Higher Learning in Nairobi County, Kenya
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Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IJSBAR
Abstract
‘Real’ fabric draping involves the use of sample textile, fabric or cloth to make patterns or garments on a model
or dress form stands manually. The technique is suitable for ready-to-wear and couture garment designs and has
numerous advantages, including satisfaction with garment fit, accurate proportions of fabric division and
reduced time waste. Numerous studies in Kenya have been carried out on the subject of Home Science.
However, little documentation exists on ‘real’ fabric draping for design in Kenya. This paper anchors its
discussion on the findings of a study that sought to assess the usage of ‘real’ fabric in draping by teachers in
public institutions of higher learning and fashion designers in Nairobi County, Kenya, and assesses the
competencies of fashion design teachers in Nairobi County, Kenya. It also examines the relationship between
the use of ‘real’ fabric draping for design, on the one hand, and the teachers’ area of training on the other hand.
The study was guided by the activity theory and pedagogic activity system structure. Employing a crosssectional survey research design, five public institutions of higher learning were purposively selected.
The sample size comprised five heads of department, 32 teachers and 266 students. The data was collected using
questionnaires and interview schedules. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques were used.
The results revealed that very few public institutions of higher learning use ‘real’ fabric draping for design.
Majority of the teachers were not trained in the area of fashion design. Chi-square analysis results yielded a
fairly strong relationship between use of ‘real’ fabric draping for design and pattern development technique
taught (V= 0 .646; p < 0.0001*) and sources of curriculum (V= 0.623; p < 0.0001*). Use of ‘real’ fabric draping
for design had a weak association with teachers’ area of training (V = 0. 018; p < 0.006). It was concluded that
the teachers area of training was not highly associated with the use of ‘real’ fabric draping. This may be due to
the fact that most fashion design teachers were trained in clothing / garment design and are able to understand
the technique. Pattern development technique taught and sources of curriculum and teachers’ area of training are
the key issues associated with the use of ‘real’ fabric draping for design in public institutions of higher learning.
This paper recommends that public institutions of higher learning should ensure that teachers engaged have the
adequate skills to teach ‘real’ fabric draping for design as a practical unit. This would ensure that the students
acquire pertinent skills imparted as prescribed in the curriculum.
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