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TRENDS, NETWORKS, AND CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS IN

THE 21ST CENTURY
QUARTER THREE – Module 1 & 2:
CHAPTER ONE
DEFINITION OF A TREND
Lesson One – Understanding Elements and Characteristics of Trends

Polytechnic College of Botolan · Botolan, Zambales

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Module 1& 2 ‖ Page 1
 Republic of the Philippines
POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE OF BOTOLAN
(Formerly Botolan Community College)
Botolan, Zambales
E-mail: polytechniccollegeofbotolan@gmail.com
Website: www.pcbzambales.com
Mobile number: 0949-155-1331

GENERAL DIRECTIONS:
Here are some reminders as you use this module:
1. Use the module with care especially in turning each page.
2. Do not write anything on the module.
3. Read and comprehend the directions in every exercises.
4. Provide additional sheets for your answers if necessary.
5. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of this material.

LESSON ONE
Understanding Elements and Characteristics of
Trends

DEFINITION OF A TREND
INTRODUCTION

Trends, Networks, and Critical Thinking Skills in the 21st Century

Subject Description: The course provides opportunities for students to discover
patterns and extract meanings from emerging trends. It aids in developing their critical
and creative thinking skills– essential tools for decision making and understanding “ethics
of care”. Global trends in the 21st century is examined and are either accepted or rejected
on a sound set of criteria.
Students will be asked to create and analyze scenarios that will challenge them to
(1) formulate their stances on issues or concerns; (2) propose interventions and; (3)
formulate alternative features.
How do we spot a trend? How do we acquire the ability to spot trend changes?
This chapter will present th trends and patterns of the 21st century. It will discuss
how trends are developed and thus become a pattern of lifestyle. Each lesson illuminates
understanding on why and how trends emerge in a particular context. Moreover, lessons
involve how to accept and reject the emrging trends.

I. LESSON OBJECTIVES

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 At the end of the lesson/module, students are expected to:
1. Define a trend.
2. Explain the process on how to spot a trend.
3. Differentiate a trend from a fad.
4. Point out the elements that make up a trend.
5. Describe the different characteristics of a trend.

TERMS TO DEFINE

As you go along with the module, you will encounter the following terms.
Familiarize yourselves with its definitions for you to be able to understand the concepts
being presented about TRENDS.
Word Definition
Trend A trend is a general direction into which something is changing,
developing, or veering toward. The term may also mean a fashion or
craze, i.e., a fad.
Fad Fads are objects or behaviors that achieve short-lived popularity but
fade away.

II. PRE-TEST

Direction: Which among these random words do you like most? Rank by
putting 1 as your most like and 10 as your least like in the blanks.
1. Hip-hop ______
2. Rap ______
3. Skin whitening ______
4. Twitter ______
5. Tiktok ______
6. Hair rebond ______
7. Hair dyeing ______
8. Crop top ______
9. Mobile legends ______
10. Maintaining body figure ______
11. Module ______
12. K-Drama/K-pop Music ______
13. Facebook/Messenger ______
14. Foods ______
15. Zoom/Google Meet ______

Chat and Share

Chat with your classmates and share your answer in a separate answer sheets.

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 1. Discuss why you like it most and the least that you like.
2. Answer the following questions:
a. Have you ever had your hair straightened? Why or why not?

b. Have you ever used whitening cream? Why or why not?

c. Who influenced your fashion and interests?

d. Why do you think these have become part of your lifestyle/culture/standards?

III. LESSON PROPER

Introduction
The 21st century is a deluge of overwhelming demands from a
digital society; hence, enormous trends have emerged. Global
trends have been increasingly given attention and anchored to
socio-cultural, economic, and political dimensions.
Unconsciously, individuals do not realize that they have been into
certain trends.
LIFE IS LIKE A TREND
Our existence started from the past; we are now living in the
present and we are heading into the future. No one knows
exactly what lies in the future, but we are going to that
direction. Some of us, go upward; others go downward;
while still others go upward and downward. A few go
straight. This is the trend of our life’s existence. But, what is a trend?
Trend is defined in many ways. Trend is a general direction in which something is
developing or changing.
 A pattern of gradual change in a condition, output, or process, or an average or
general tendency of a series of data points to move in a certain direction over time,
represented by a line or curve on a graph.
 A trend is a sequential pattern of change in recorded data. A change evidenced by
a rise or fall of variables when measured between at least two points over time
(Gordon, 2008).
 It is a way of doing new things individually or one society then followed by many
people; it may become a daily routine or a tradition.
 A trend has a big impact in our society and it have the capacity to make a big
changes in our lives.
 A trend is a behavior or new way of doing things and it has a big impact on our
society. It is a sequential pattern of change in a condition, output, or process, or an
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 average or general tendency of a series of data points to move in a certain direction
over time, represented by a line or curve on a graph.
MEGATRENDS AND MICROTRENDS
Megatrends. They are a larger pattern of broad trends that reshape and transform our
lives. Megatrends entail a major restructing; they are a larger pattern of broad trends
that reshape and transform our lives.
Microtrends. It advocates localization as opposed to globalization, recognizing that
people and communities have never been more sophisticated and more knowledgeable
about the choices they make in their everyday lives.
Examples:
“an upward trend in sales and profit margins,”
In business “unemployment has been trending upward,” “interest
rates in banking institutions are trending up.”
“everybody knows the latest trends in music and
In fashion and art
modern dance.”
As a subject of many post “I’ve just taken a quick look at what’s trending on
on a social media Twitter right now.”
OTHER EXAMPLES OF TRENDS:
Twitter – it lets you see what is happening around the world,
from breaking news and entertainment, sports and politics to big
events and every day interests.
Twitter is a free social networking microblogging service that
allows registered members to broadcast short posts called
tweets. Twitter members can broadcast tweets and follow other
users' tweets by using multiple platforms and devices.
Facebook – is the most common social network website where
you can share information about yourself and communicate with
other people.
Facebook is a popular free social networking website that allows
registered users to create profiles, upload photos and video,
send messages and keep in touch with friends, family and
colleagues. The site, which is available in 37 different languages,
includes public features.
Process of Identifying a Trend
Trend analysis is the widespread practice of collecting
information and attempting to spot a pattern in the information.
It may used to predict future events or estimate uncertain
events in the past.

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Trend Spotting is the identification of new trends or attempting to see the future.
Trendspotting is attempting to see the future in the present (Rehn and Lindkvist, 2013).
Being able to predict a trend is a valued skill for the global citizen. Trendspotting is
sometimes called cool-hunting and trend analysis.
Trend Spotter - is a person who notices and reports on new
fashions, ideas, or activities that are becoming popular. They
are the people who notices and reports on new fashions,
activities that people are starting to do.
Projecting Trends - assumes the future will be a logical
extension of the past
Drivers continuing what is a trend
Friction is a resistance to change that occurs naturally and inevitably.
Enablers an empowering influence and encourages the drivers Blockers may take the
form of new law, politicking, street protests and other factors.
Where and When to Spot a Trend
The Office of Social and Economic Trend Analysis of Iowa State University (2006)
suggests five (5) steps on where and when to spot a trend. These are:
1. Know your objectives.
2. Understand the landscape.
3. Look and observe.
4. Connect the dots.
5. Assess and test.
Five (5) Ways to Spot and Capitalize on Trends
(from the Point of View of an Entrepreneur Coach)
1. Anticipate change.
2. See it coming.
3. Distinguished between short-lived fads and long-term trends.
4. Make sure your solutions are realistic.
5. Create a competitive advantage.
Differentiating a trend from a fad
Both trends and fads can play an important role in
an organization’s success – but they must be
treated differently. If they are not, leaders risk
burning out adapting to every fad, and critical
trends required for an organizations’ survival may
be missed. Let’s start by looking into fads and
trends individually.

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 Fad is a new thing that people are doing. The easiest way to categorize a fad is one
word: short-lived. Trends have a much longer lifespan than fads. In fact, trends can
continue to be fashionable for years and even decades.
Trend is significant, have broad implications in all aspects of society, identifiable and
explainable while fad is transitory or quick, affect only particular group of people without
impact and driven by emotions.
Fad Trend
 Typically spread quickly but disappear  Trends have a much longer lifespan
equally quickly. than fads.they can continue to be
 The easiest way to categorize a fad is fashionable for years and even
one word: short-lived.Typically, fads decades.
last for a total of one season.  The primary difference between a
 A fad is often referred to as “catching trend and a fad is that trends have the
on” with the larger population, but will potential to be long-term influences on
often fade as quickly as it appeared. the market.
The easiest way to remember a fad is
through a simple alliteration: fads fade.

Elements that make up a trend

There are eight (8) trends across the website. They are presented as follows:
1. Unique and large typography
2. Large and responsive hero images
3. Background videos
4. Semi-flat design
5. Hamburger Menu
6. Giant product Images
7. Card design
8. Short Product or Feature videos
Characteristics of a Trend
Let us apply the five (5) characteristics below to put your fashion design skills to use like
the professionals.
1. Innovation
2. Brand Consistency
3. Outerwear-ability
4. Versatility
5. Simplicity

LET’S TAKE A LOOK AND READ

“We understand the way we have been made to understand, and we embrace that
understanding” – John Quincy Adams

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We adhere to something based on our understanding. Why do you think you believe on
something? What makes you understand anything?
This lesson will have you examine a practice which many men and women do. It will help
you distinguish and discover if a thing is a trend or a fad.
Rethinking Beauty: Trends in Beauty
Today By: Irina Barbalova
According to Euromonitor, the global beauty industry is looking in better shape that
it did during the depths of the recession in 2008/9, and has recovered its equilibrium.
Although the mass market dominates at 16bn, the premium sector powered ahead in
2012 and is worth 4bn, with strong revenues from the US, China, Brazil, and Saudi
Arabia. Premium skincare was a high point, but nail polish was another noteworthy
product category, growing by 13% (+23% in the US). “We call it the Nail Index”,
commented Barbalova. “It about high point, which has been increasing three times that
of women’s skincare, due to a focus on simplicity, health and solution-based products.
Barbalova highlighted several key trends in beauty today, including Universal
Solutions, which are found in multi-functional products.”Creams are pushing multi-
functionality and offer time saving, convince, and value for money,” she affirmed. She
also discussed the relationship and crossover between fashion and cosmetics. Apparel
brands are crossing over into beauty, such as Wrangler and Triumph which infuse fabrics
with aloe Vera and other anti-cellulite or moisturizing ingredients. “Beauty has been more
resilient than fashion and so fashion brands are looking to benefit from this growth with
affordable beauty offerings”, she said.
Active Reading:
The Beauty Ideal: The Fashion Silhoutte
By: Kirsten Anderberg
Throughout these many cultures and times, each “fashion silhouette” has melded many
different views of beauty. All these women were considered beautiful for adhering to each
social standard. It is foolish for one to know that beauty can be all these different things
and still believe the beauty construct that she or he has eternalized is the right one.
A Chinese woman’s foot was considered beautiful if it was small, so
foot binding was incorporated into the culture and took place for about
1,000 years. Around the age of six, small girls’ feet were wrapped in
tight bandages, so they could not develop normally. They would break
and become prone to infection, paralysis, and muscular atrophy. The
feet usually stayed between 4-6 inches long.
Many African tribe women have had their lips supported and
stretched by metal rings (lip plates) since early childhood. In
adulthood, their stretched lips express the ultimate in beauty.

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 “Giraffe necks” are common in a tribe living close to the border of Thailand
and also in many African tribes especially in Kenya and Tanzania.
“What was considered beautiful for an aristocratic
Elizabethan woman in Tudor England involved whitening
the face, plucking eyelashes, and shaving back the
hairline to show a prominent forehead”. (Shaw 2006)
Georgian wig vanity. In the late 1700s, women began to
wear their hair along with fake hair up in a giant wig that look
hours to prepare. Women often had to sleep sitting up and
scratched their scalps with a tool resembling back scratchers of today. The
hair could be built up to 30 inches were common.
Corset not only did they make it hard for women to move freely or sit down,
but they also damaged internal organs and restricted air flow. This led to
fainting and less energy than they would have otherwise. It would take
about 2 years for internal organs to be “trained” into a smaller position
around the waist and about a year of not wearing a corset for the internal
organs to settle back into regular positions. (Thomas 2014)
In the 1920s, flappers were “in” and many women opted for breast
reductions or banded theirs to fit in with the social standard. Yet, not much
after that larger breasts were the norm and women began going under the
knife for breasts enhancement.
Today, girls (I say girls because it all starts when one is young), in our
society are being constructed to constantly strive for a slimmer figure.
Anorexia Nervosa and bulimia have evolved into
somewhat of an epidemic. I would also like to
point out that the average woman, who usually is a healthy size
12-14. may have a low self-esteem because of the normalized
beauty ideal to be thin.
Women are still being oppressed through the beauty ideal. “The Beauty ideal works to
limit women, encourages competiveness, and ultimately tends to lower women’s self-
esteem”.
The supporting argument behind this statement begins with the products and rituals that
are marketed to women. These standards are not created view the women they affect
but by those with power and influence who “creates these trends and options and enforce
the standards”.
LET’S ANCHOR YOUR LEARNING

EXERCISE 1
Answer the following questions:
1. According to Kristen Anderberg, what is the basis of beauty standards and view?

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2. “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder”. Who is the beholder? To what does the
beholder anchor hi/her standard?

3. Explain in your own words “beauty” and “standard”.

EXERCISE 2
Give your own perception to the questions below:
A. Why do men and women adhere to certain standards of beauty? Shall men and
women adhere to certain beauty standards?
B. How powerful are created trends to enforce certain beauty standards? Do trends
become powerful when certain beauty standards are enforced?

APPLICATION: CRITICAL THINKING CORNER

Answer the following questions:
1. How do I understand the word “trending”?
2. What entails when a thing becomes a trend?
IV. SUMMARY

Trend is a “recurrent phenomenon that takes place over time and gives rise to
speculation on the future” (Sanders, Soper, and Rothwell 2002). Trends analysis is
an examination of these phenomena and speculation on the likely impact they will
have in the future.
Cornish (2004) and Canton (2006) defined trends as collage of present
circumstances that extend current patterns into the future. Trends analysis grants
societies “future events.
Trending is an important skill in the 21st century affording those inclined a portal into
the future. In addition, trends allow for preemptive judgments and actions toward
future events and conditions.
Fad is something, such as an interest or fashion that is very popular for a short time
(Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary). A fad is product that has little, if any, utility
but is characterized by a quick rise in sales and popularity followed by a quick
decline in sales and popularity.
A fad is an intense but short -lived fashion. It is widely-shared enthusiasm for
something, especially on that is short-lived. It is temporary fashion, a craze, interest,
or activity that people follow enthusiastically, but lasts for a short period of time.

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 POST-TEST

Direction: Use the fives Ws chart to organized the information you have
learned from this lesson.
What?
Who?
Where?
When?
Why?

V. EVALUATION
Direction: Read and answer the following questions briefly.
1. Define a trend in your own words.
2. Explain in your own ideas about the process on how to spot a trend.
3. Differentiate a trend from a fad by using a venn diagram.
4. Enumerate the elements that make up a trend.
5. Enumerate the different characteristics of a trend.

REFERENCES/SOURCES:

Ariola, Mariano M. Ed. D. (2017). Trends, Networks, and Crtical Thinking in the 21st
Century. Intramuros Manila: Unlimited Books Library Services & Publishing Inc.
Mangiduyos, Gladys P. (2017). Trends, Networks, and Crtical Thinking in the 21st
Century. Manila Philippines: Rex Book Store

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Prepared by:

RODRICK S. RAMOS, LPT.

SHS Teacher

Reviewed by:

MYRNA S. PANGAN
SHS Program Coordinator

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