This is a question that crosses my path often, so I figured it was worth sharing a few thoughts…

• Design Thinking (DTK) is NOT the same as Project Based Learning (PBL)-they are 2 separate frameworks.
• This is my favorite explanation of Design Thinking, specific to educators.
• The PBL framework, according to CraftED, includes the following:
• An Enduring Understanding and Driving Question grounded in standards, a final product, and a process oriented toward benchmarking and revisions.
• There are many frameworks in education right now (Problem Based Learning, Design Thinking, Inquiry Based Learning, Project Based Learning, etc.). No one is better than the other (well, you know I think PBL is the best ;), however it is critical that if we are going to say we are doing one that we do it with fidelity {rigor, quality}. If we simply throw out these buzz words, this is the risk we run.
• I encourage this process for ensuring calibration and quality from the start with PBL.
• All of these frameworks have the potential to get to Deeper Learning (as defined by Hewlett’s competencies) because they serve as a vehicle for fostering those student competencies.
• I recommend DTk for folks who are just getting started with innovative teaching practices because it can be done in small, bit size challenges. These mini design challenges focus on content through a 5 step process, rather than a final product; which makes it feel like an easier lift for teachers and it requires less time so it makes them feel more comfortable trying it.
• DTK works really well with STEM and goes over well with math, science teachers who may be reluctant to try PBL because of the focus on process rather than content skills and practice.

Want to learn more about Dtk? Check out these articles by Jenny:

• 5 Tips for Painless Prototyping, ASCD
• Design Thinking, Empathy and Equity, Teaching Channel
• Teaching Empathy through Place Based Learning, Getting Smart

Or bring Jenny to your school to run one of CraftED’s DTK workshops:

Explicitly Teaching Empathy

As Design Thinking gains momentum as a mainstream framework in our schools today, the need to explicitly teach the components of this construct is gaining attention. Empathy, the beginning stage of the Design Thinking framework, is arguably the most important as it provides a foundation for all future learning in a project or unit. This workshop explores how to teach the important skills required when entering into a Design Challenge, including:

• Interviewing “end-users”
• The art and skill of listening
• How to effectively observe in the field -Field notes, data collection
• Protocols for diverse perspectives, lenses

Participants will engage in discussion and hands-on activities as learners, receive collegial feedback on their initial implementation plans and craft concrete next steps. All participants will receive teaching strategies from CrafTED Curriculum, in addition to leaving with plans for a design challenge/project launch and integration of at least one strategy for explicitly teaching empathy.

Scaffolding the Prototyping Process

“Prototype” is defined as a preliminary model of something, and is typically the fourth stage of design thinking or the final stages in a Project Based Learning unit. While this step is an important component to deeper learning, what is most important about this stage is what the students do next. Prior to summative assessment it is critical for students to engage in the feedback process AND exercise their agency by putting the feedback and reflection into practice. This stage can be challenging and is often overlooked; however with the following teaching strategies explored in this workshop students can dive deeper into their content and life skills:

• The benchmarking/drafting process, management in/of prototyping -Self reflection and assessment
• Facilitating effective peer revision, collaborative feedback protocols -Fostering agency and “end-user” or “expert” feedback

Participants will interact though simulations and protocols, receive collegial feedback on their initial implementation plans and craft concrete next steps. All participants will receive teaching strategies from CrafTED Curriculum, in addition to leaving with plans for Scaffolding the prototyping stage of an upcoming project, unit or design challenge.

Want to learn more about PBL?
Check out CraftED’s PBL Certification E-course and/or PBL Planning Workbook.