Sandra Avrill's video "ADST Design Thinking K-9" reminds us that when it comes to ADST, the sum is richer than its parts. Rather than rely on compartmentalizing concepts like 'digital literacy' or 'power technology' and teaching them in modules, teachers (and students) can achieve more by finding cross-curricular approaches to ADST curriculum.
The teachers at King Middle School in Portland, Maine took this approach when they asked their students to 'design a device that captures natural energy and transforms it into something useful.' This grade-wide project involved several curricular areas (Socials, Science, English, ADST) and students conducted research, experimentation, collaboration, and troubleshooting, all elements of a design thinking mindset.
At our school, we started to create cross-curricular cohorts with our Grade 8's and 9's. This has presented opportunities for more ambitious projects that the library is able to support. The structure of this has also allowed teachers to meet more regularly and this is a key for setting students up for 'design thinking' success.
No comments:
Post a Comment