Design Thinking in the Classroom

Article by
Mrs. Pankaja Benakal
Assistant Professor
Department of Computer Science
NCMS

In recent years, there's been a pedagogical shift in classrooms worldwide. Teachers are moving from traditional teaching methods towards more innovative approaches. One such approach that has garnered significant attention is "design thinking." Rooted in the world of product design and problem-solving, design thinking offers an iterative process that encourages creativity, empathy, and collaboration. 

So, what is design thinking exactly? At its core, design thinking is a problem-solving process that involves five key stages: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. When integrated into the classroom, this method fosters a mindset where students see problems as opportunities for innovative solutions. 

Firstly, design thinking emphasizes "empathy". Students are taught to approach challenges by first understanding the user's needs. This might mean interviewing classmates to understand their perspectives on a issue or diving deep into the experiences of historical figures to understand societal challenges of the past.

Next, the "define" stage asks students to articulate a clear problem statement based on their empathetic understanding. This hones their analytical skills and teaches them to distill complex information into concise, actionable problems.

With a clear problem in hand, students move to the "ideate" phase, brainstorming a myriad of solutions without the constraints of feasibility. This phase encourages divergent thinking, where the focus is on quantity and variety of ideas.

Prototyping then takes these ideas and gives them tangible form. Whether it's a mock-up of a new classroom layout, a storyboard of a digital solution, or a skit depicting a historical event, prototyping is about rapid creation and learning from failures.

Lastly, the "test" phase allows students to gather feedback, refine their ideas, and iterate. It teaches resilience and the understanding that failure is an integral step towards success.

Incorporating design thinking in classrooms provides several benefits. It cultivates skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity — all vital for the 21st-century world. Moreover, it encourages students to become proactive problem solvers, empathetic listeners, and lifelong learners.

Design thinking isn't just a method but a mindset. When embraced in the classroom, it has the potential to transform traditional learning, making education a more dynamic, student-centric, and innovative experience.

Books to refer

1. Karmic Design Thinking - Prof. Bala Ramadurai

2. Design Thinking In The Classroom - David Lee