Education Perspectives
DESIGN THINKING IS THE GOAL Start new school year off right by challenging yourself and students
The school year is about to officially kickoff for schools across North Dakota. Are you ready to challenge your students and yourself ? Our governor has implemented innovation challenges to educators and students. What steps are you willing to take to meet district and personal challenges? Take small steps to success. I was part of a book study with North Dakota United that featured Ted Dintersmith’s book, “What Schools Could Be.” It was a wonderful challenge to review my current practices. Evaluating effective practices and reforming strategies that did not fully engage students were topics I was forced to consider. Developing plans that move my students into “design thinking” is now my goal. Design thinking motivates students to embrace problem solving. Lessons include interviews and actions that create a positive impact on others or community. Introducing students to real-world problems, allows students to develop empathy for others and move away from theory concepts.
By Karen Christensen NDU Vice President of Education
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Developing a plan to put the solution in place and carrying it out will involve talking to individuals that can support the plan. Utilize the talents of all students in the class and encourage the cooperative effort of making the plan successful.”
Students discuss a problem in their classroom, school or community. Students then need to choose and define the problem. The class can work on one project and break the responsibilities into smaller groups. If they can define more than one problem that needs to be addressed, smaller groups can take on each project. Set aside time each week to focus on the project. Students will need to brainstorm multiple solutions. All ideas will be evaluated by the group and debated. The teacher serves as the guide and time manager. Students will need to choose the solution they think will solve their problem and test it. They will need to apply the knowledge they have to a real-life situation. Developing a plan to put the solution in place and carrying it out will involve talking to individuals that can support the plan. Utilize the talents of all students in the class and encourage the cooperative effort of making the plan successful. The final step to design thinking is reflecting on the outcome. Evaluate the goal and outcome. Students should be given the opportunity to discuss what they liked about the outcome and strategies on how they could improve on the project. Students are engaged in critical thinking skills and engage in their own “exam” on the project. Design thinking allows subjects like math, science, or social studies to become real. Students are given the opportunity to use skills such as creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. Soft and hard skills that are needed as adults will be fostered and leadership skills are developed. A new school year presents the opportunity for new goals. I challenge you to step outside of what you have been doing for years and try one small project this year. Track the standards you meet during the project and document the engagement of your students. I believe you will be surprised to see some disinterested students taking a real interest in growing their skills. Enjoy your year! I am excited to hear what educators are doing with their students this year.
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ND United Voices
