An out-of-school design learning intervention for second level students
Year: 2013
Editor: John Lawlor, Ger Reilly, Robert Simpson, Michael Ring, Ahmed Kovacevic, Mark McGrath, William Ion, David Tormey, Erik Bohemia, Chris McMahon, Brian Parkinson
Author: Creighton, Emma; Granville, Gary
Series: E&PDE
Institution: National College of Art and Design, Ireland
Section: Design Methodology
Page(s): 038-043
ISBN: 978-1-904670-42-1
Abstract
This paper makes an argument for design learning as a framework to support the personal and academic development of second-level students. In presenting this argument the author discusses work-in-progress research that investigates the educational value of an out-of-school design workshop. This research places an emphasis on the development of the individual student, by focusing on the process, not the product of design. Focusing on the pedagogical needs of adolescents, the aim of the research is to engage students in a meaningful learning experience, giving them the opportunity to understand and develop their skills in areas such as creative and critical thinking, communication, collaboration and self-directed learning. In this paper the author draws on findings from a design workshop carried out with a group of second-level students over the course of two weeks in a third level institute. By presenting insights uncovered from the analysis and interpretation of data gathered, the author makes a case for the design workshop as an out-of-school intervention that can support the personal and academic development of second-level students.
Keywords: Design education, design process, intervention, confidence, collaboration