Learning Design Crash Course

Date: June 2016
Inciting/guiding Questions: How might we empower faculty to identify as designers and improvisers while collaboratively creating new curriculum?
Number of Students Involved: 0
Faculty/Staff Involved: Connie Scully; Kelly Lawler; Wes Schirra; Kat Wilson; Kristin Santo; Ashley McClelland; Pam Heacock; Jessica Henrikson; Amy Jordan; Lucy Stickler; Jennifer Bratyanski; Loren Fauchier; Ryan Adams (Internetwork Engineering); Jonathan Bartholomew (Internetwork Engineering)

Abstract:
Providence Day School is offering an introductory experience in improvisation and design thinking. No prior experience or expertise necessary.  Anyone curious to learn more about the ways teaching and learning is an improvised and designed activity should attend.  We will explore the identities, skills, mindsets, and attitudes necessary for continuous growth as improvisers, designers, and educators.  With this exploration in hand, the team will identify and begin to address adaptive challenges that necessitate innovative learning experiences.  The experience will serve any educator looking to learn and practice improvisation and design as a way to become a more communicative, creative, collaborative educator.  

Testimonials (via survey):

When asked if the participant would consider another course like this one…

• “Yes. Once I start using design thinking and improv more, I know I will have more specific things I want to learn about. Perhaps it will be how to teach this thinking to someone else. It might be more about prototyping. Right now, I’m interested in how to bring empathy into the process as much as possible.”

• When asked about the most meaningful part of the experience…
  • “The workshop was one of the most empowering professional development opportunities I have ever participated in. It was different from other opportunities in that we did not spend much time planning for classroom implementation, but rather working on our own understanding of what it means to design and practicing the skills and mindsets required to be a good designer.”