Design Thinking

The design thinking for engaged learning (DTEL) model is used to structure collaborative project-based learning. It is related to human-centered design and ideation. The design thinking process has ten stages in 5 phases that first explore the problem at hand, then explore potential solution ideas through divergent and convergent thinking, iterate through a series of prototypes of increasing fidelity that are refined based on user feedback, and finally deploy the created solution.

Design thinking is grounded in the following learning theories: constructivism, constructionism, and designerly ways of knowing. These theories support the following design principles: learning by making and regular reflective activities. We conduct design-based research (iterative cycles of development, testing, and refinement of interventions in authentic contexts) over several iterations/semesters in several courses across multiple disciplines to refine the design thinking approach for supporting collaboration.

Publications in Refereed Journals and Conferences

Collaborative Project-Based Learning through Design Thinking for Engaged Learning Framework in Multiple Disciplines Sean Kao, Jesus Ojeda Pacheco, Justin Thamsorn, Haley Williams, Shawna Thomas, Sushil Paudyal, Jonan Phillip Donaldson, in Proc. of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting, April 2023, to appear.

Design Thinking as a Structure for Collaborative Project-based Learning in Multiple Disciplines Jonan Phillip Donaldson, Kati Stoddard, Summer Odom, Dawn Parker, Sushil Paudyal, Shawna Thomas, Kathrin Dunlap, Tazim Jamal, in Proc. of the International Conference of the Learning Sciences (ICLS), edited by Clark Chinn, Edna Tan, Carol Chan, Yael Kali, Hiroshima, Japan: International Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS), June 2022.