College In Focus - Unit 2

LESSON 2.5 - College Brochure Project

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT:

When it comes to developing slick and effective marketing materials, it’s hard to match the work that colleges put in. It’s such a competitive market for students that schools tend to pull out the stops when it comes to producing materials to engage prospective students. For this lesson and project, it might be a good idea to begin pulling together some marketing materials from various colleges and universities. This should be easy. A simple call to a few admissions departments should net you more than you need. Representatives may also be willing to send electronic versions that you can print for students as well.
 

Pass these examples around the class and ask students to discuss what the purpose of these tools are. Why would a college or university spend so much money designing, printing and mailing these? Are they effective? Why? Why not? Would the students do anything different now that they know so much about different colleges?

DIGGING IN:

The students are going to be starting a project designed to synthesize much of the research and study they have been doing on colleges and universities. Students are going to be developing marketing pieces, specifically a tri-fold brochure, that includes important details about a college or university that they are interested in. Each brochure has a set of specific information that it should include, and should be designed to be aesthetically pleasing and engaging for people interested in learning more about the college or university featured.
 

Specific content required for this brochure is outlined on the handout, “College Brochure Project Checklist.” Much of this information can actually be sourced from work that the students have already completed as part of this unit. Any additional information should be able to be found on the school’s website or via a Google search. Students should plan to include a variety of photos and/or artwork that supports their message and builds an engaging visual piece.
 

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INTO ACTION:

Brochures should be double-sided and built to fit standard, 8.5x11 paper. Students should honor the standard fold layout of a tri-fold brochure. A simple template that includes fold marks can be found here: intoolkit.com/brochure

Students may need three periods or more to work in class on their brochure projects. It may be useful to plan for mid-project consultations with students to check on progress and offer suggestions or guidance for students who may be struggling. Students can present their completed brochures to the class. Brochures would also make good content for an in-class or out-of-class display with student names featured prominently next to their work.