What is ‘design thinking’? And why does it belong in classrooms?
Actually, it’s already there — but teachers may not know it
Innovative methods of teaching and learning like design thinking are helping students and teachers reframe the way that school is done. What has become clear is that the success of each individual won’t come from besting a computer or working more quickly or efficiently than a robot, but rather by using our innately human capacities of talking with others to debate, discuss and develop dynamic solutions toward our shared goals.Design thinking is a method of applying knowledge to practice. Isn’t this also the definition of teaching?
Portnoy, a researcher and professor at Northeastern University, is the author of the upcoming book “Designed to Learn: Using Design Thinking to Bring Purpose and Passion to the Classroom.” She is also a co-founder of the educational-game company Killer Snails, which develops learning card games, such as “Assassins of the Sea,” and has attracted funding from the National Science Foundation.
This post is a modified chapter of her book, which will be published in November 2019.
By Lindsay Portnoy
Fauquier High School is a large public school in Warrenton, Va. With its multiple buildings, it feels more like a college campus than a high school. The layout makes it difficult for the school community to connect. In 2017, school officials went in search of a solution that would help students and staff feel a greater sense of community.
One educator drew inspiration from an unusual place: the school’s front lobby and hallways.
George Murphy is a science educator at Fauquier and realized that while he couldn’t change the structure of the buildings, he could work with students to design a space that builds community. He noticed the bare walls along the main lobby where school faculty members and students gathered each CONTINUE READING: What is ‘design thinking’? And why does it belong in classrooms? - The Washington Post
