Implementing design thinking in the teaching and learning of selected biology lessons in a Bhutanese higher secondary classroom

Implementing design thinking in the teaching and learning of selected biology lessons in a Bhutanese higher secondary classroom

Sherab Chophel sherubc@education.gov.bt Baylling Higher Secondary school
Kinley* kinley.sce@rub.edu.bt Samtse College of Education
Summary: 
The current study has derived inspiration from the design thinking approach as one of the pedagogical means to respond to the need for teaching, learning, and assessment in the twenty-first century. Specifically, the study was intended to explore strategies to implement design thinking’ in designing and delivering lessons in higher secondary-level biology classrooms. The study employed a participatory design approach which involved the participation of the researcher with the selected teachers in the co-design of biology lessons. This study was carried out over two weeks in one of the higher secondary schools in Samtse district, Bhutan. Hence, data for this study was obtained from the researcher’s qualitative notes based on field engagement with three piloted teachers, and teaching observations. The data from observation field notes were presented in narrative descriptions, to provide rich descriptions of classroom activities and tasks, teacher and students’ classroom interactions, and the design thinking process followed in the teaching and learning process. Findings revealed that both teachers and students have positive perceptions about the application of design thinking in biology class. The application of design thinking in biology class offers an opportunity for students to learn through the highest degree of collaboration, interaction, and creative thinking, unlike in a conventional classroom. Additionally, this offers an opportunity for building a foundation for teachers and educators to revitalize educational practices to prepare students to thrive in the modern era, by equipping students with the tools and capacity for innovative and creative thinking and the ability to solve problems.
Keywords: 
Design Thinking
Teaching and Learning
Participatory Design
Co-design
problem solving
Creative Thinking
critical thinking
Bhutan.
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