VIRTUAL New Schools of Thought
Abstract
Period of Inquiry-Based Cross Disciplinary Study, a subject of the Japanese high education curriculum, involves students to learn complex problem-solving using a design-based approach. This study focuses on a case study built around a Japanese public high school, where students work on group projects to solve daily social problems based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study aims to identify the key factors necessary for designing appropriate journal worksheets used in complex problem-solving activities; which can help teachers and students internalize their understanding of design thinking. The elements of the worksheets were strategically planned to reinforce high school students’ problem-solving skills, collaboration skills, critical thinking, and creativity. This research adopts an action research approach to collaborate closely with the program coordinator and teachers in the high school. Based on classroom observations, a hypothesis of different design activities was set up, and the practicality and validity were checked through meetings and questionnaires, including teachers’ feedback. Findings showed that worksheets can be designed around illustrations that visualize fictional stories representing the problem-solving process. In addition, the worksheets function as an archival medium to record the learner’s journey of exploration through documentation of research findings. The worksheets can also be meeting minutes to keep track of the groups’ decision-making during the project; and may include links connecting to additional online resources helping students to understand the concepts and the actions of SDGs deeply. It is meaningful that the materials include design methods highly applicable to problem-solving projects practiced in other public schools.
Somin Lee is a designer based in Korea. She conducted research at Kyushu University, creating design thinking strategies and lesson resources for a public high school. Her research interests include design education and design in the public sector, seeking ways to introduce design processes to students, non-designers, and communities tackling complex challenges.
Leon Loh is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Design at Kyushu University. He used to teach design and technology in secondary schools in Singapore. While serving in the Singapore schools, he was also on the leadership track, taking on roles as subject head and head of department. With experience in school teaching, his primary research interest lies in design education. His research focuses on product design education at the university level, as well as design education in elementary, junior high, and high school to promote critical thinking and creativity.
Zong Chen is a master’s student in design at Kyushu University. Her research focuses on using design thinking in education, particularly in designing educational resources for educators unfamiliar with design thinking. Through these resources, she aims to assist teachers in implementing design thinking in general education.
Melanie Sarantou (PhD) is a Professor of Social Design at Kyushu University in Japan. She is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Lapland in Finland. Her interests span the role of improvisation in arts and design practices and how the arts can mitigate societal challenges.
Moe Shimomura (PhD) is an Assistant Professor and the deputy director of the International Office at the Faculty of Design, Kyushu University. Her research interests include service design within public sectors, design education, and intercultural communication. She is currently involved in the practice and research of community design for care.
Born in China, Yanfang Zhang has a PhD in Design from Kyushu University, Japan, specializing in universal design and humanized design. She is an associate professor at the Faculty of Design, Kyushu University, specializing in design for SDGs. She wants to explore combining the practice and education of universal design and humanized design with research to contribute more deeply to society.
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Thursday 9th January, 2025