Please join us for a weekly conversation about design thinking in K12 education. We will have a variety of moderators with a wide range and depth of design thinking experiences. Each week, we will connect the dots to the design thinking methodology and how it can and will play a bigger role in today’s K12 educational arena.
Welcome to #dtk12chat! We are so glad you’re here! I will be driving the bus tonight, but tonight’s questions are a collaborative effort by @knowKMD, @lndeutch, and myself. We are running a series of chats about the mindsets of design over the next few months.
Welcome to #dtk12chat! We are so glad you’re here! I will be driving the bus tonight, but tonight’s questions are a collaborative effort by @knowKMD, @lndeutch, and myself. We are running a series of chats about the mindsets of design over the next few months.
Let’s start with some intros. Introduce yourself, where you’re from, and something outside your teaching practice that’s bringing you optimism these days. #dtk12chat
Let’s start with some intros. Introduce yourself, where you’re from, and something outside your teaching practice that’s bringing you optimism these days. #dtk12chat
I'm Erin from Calgary, AB, Canada. I teach grade 7 Humanities. A recent conversation with @knowKMD and @ElaBenUr left me feeling optimistic about the future of our planet (and the kids who live on it). #dtk12chat
Happy Wednesday #dtk12chat friends! @luckybydesign@knowKMD & I have had some interesting convos around optimism this week. Look forward to hearing from all of you. :)
Welcome to #dtk12chat! We are so glad you’re here! I will be driving the bus tonight, but tonight’s questions are a collaborative effort by @knowKMD, @lndeutch, and myself. We are running a series of chats about the mindsets of design over the next few months.
A0 #dtk12chat Gary from outside Philadelphia. Optimistic about learning alot by reading the Isacsson Bio of Leonardo...(not so optimistic about finding the time to do it!
Thanks @luckybydesign, @knowkmd and @lndeutch! Ela, usually from Cambridge, presently in Columbus. My 4- and 6-year-old daughters' curiosity and optimism. #dtk12chat
In reply to
@luckybydesign, @JamieDotSt, @unsplash, @luckybydesign, @knowKMD
I'm Erin from Calgary, AB, Canada. I teach grade 7 Humanities. A recent conversation with @knowKMD and @ElaBenUr left me feeling optimistic about the future of our planet (and the kids who live on it). #dtk12chat
Dan Ryder, Edu Director of the new Success & Innovation Center at Mt Blue Campus in Farmington, ME; feeling cautiously optimistic that I can balance life w the new XBox One S awaiting me on Dec 25th #drool#dtk12chat
A1 i see optimism as a belief that eventually things will go right; that if we keep working at it, we'll be okay in the end -- hence, prototyping & iteration all really supercharged by optimism #dtk12chat
Optimism: the belief that we might make things better. That trying something is better than not trying. A key mindset of #designthinking because otherwise why would anyone try? #dtk12chat
I guess I am in the midst of a lot change (again) and judging it good or bad is not as effective. It is more a question of it is 'energy' to move things in a direction I can respond rather than react to. #dtk12chat
A1 #dtk12chat Opt=that which powers us to overcome our nagging self-doubt; a belief in the better nature of our race. Problems, wicked problems, can be so daunting. W/o Optimism we default to the easier path...criticism and defeat.
A1: My defn of optimism is believing solutions to problems can be found; that everything will work out; key mindset to finding answers in the face of setbacks #dtk12chat
Optimism is believing in what’s possible even if it’s not probable. In designing anything new and creative, we have to believe in possibilities. #dtk12chat
Optimism: the belief that we might make things better. That trying something is better than not trying. A key mindset of #designthinking because otherwise why would anyone try? #dtk12chat
Optimism is believing in what’s possible even if it’s not probable. In designing anything new and creative, we have to believe in possibilities. #dtk12chat
A1: optimism implies a feeling of confidence that one can have an impact to make things better. Chicken or egg tho? Do you need 2 experience this successful impact before you can trust it and/or have confidence in it? Design Thinking can be tool to build this. #dtk12chat
Optimism: the belief that we might make things better. That trying something is better than not trying. A key mindset of #designthinking because otherwise why would anyone try? #dtk12chat
Yup. I wonder that too. Must have taste of success, or impact, or at very least being heard. What do Ss carry with them to school that impacts their ability to be optimistic? #dtk12chat
Optimism has the backing on knowledge and hope is like guessing. You don’t hear optimism and a prayer. Nope hope and a prayer is please let this work #dtk12chat
A1: Optimism is committing to the belief that the human experience can create a future that allows each of us to become fully human. ---So DT (or service design thinking) is but a few ways we can follow a process/mindset to contribute to that experience #dtk12chat
Optimism is a trait, everyone has the ability to practice it. Depending on one's perspective or outlook they might not practice it. It can be nurtured as a habit by constantly reminding ourselves about the end goal. #dtk12chat
I love this. I try to avoid the phrase "problem solving"—challenges, our world are always evolving. We stay observant and adaptive and overcome them as we go. #dtk12chat
A1 Is "hopeful" the same as optimistic? I think I see young (5-8 years old) Ss remain hopeful for a long time. It is one of my favourite things. Maybe optimism is seeing something inspiring and worthwhile on the horizon...(This is a lovely question.) #dtk12chat
Hey #dtk12chat Peeps Mary from ATL Being a mom brings me optimism (esp a SAHM w/ options to do DT projects & jobs) Sorry for jumping in late Love the Prompt Pics @luckybydesign
Love this. Hope is a feeling; optimism is a force. We can push forward even on days when we feel frustrated, anxious, or embarrassed. What’s more optimistic than that? #dtk12chat
A3 I think it’s a habit. (And I’m not great at it:( the artist in me is very critical of what I do, say, act. I overthink way too much. I think it can be developed by being part of a supportive culture. Strong arms together can lift spirits and raise optimism. #dtk12chat
A1: Optimism is committing to the belief that the human experience can create a future that allows each of us to become fully human. ---So DT (or service design thinking) is but a few ways we can follow a process/mindset to contribute to that experience #dtk12chat
Hope is the basis. It is difficult to be optimistic without hope.
But hoping on its own is not sufficient. Optimism is required to take action in a positive direction. #dtk12chat
A2 reckon all mindsets can be cultivated and developed; learning to see w optimism rather than pessimism is a lot of hard work; people don't realize that pessimism usually a survival skill, not a desired POV #dtk12chat
A2: Once upon a time a donkey fell into an old well. An elderly farmer, decided it would be best to just fill in the hole with manure. (He didn't want to waste the bullet either). The poor donkey bawled and brayed, but would shake off each shovel full of manure. #dtk12chat
A2: A trait that can be cultivated through mindfulness & attention. It involves calibrating our recall to success & also critical evaluation so we don't move naively through the problem. #dtk12chat
A3 I think it’s a habit. (And I’m not great at it:( the artist in me is very critical of what I do, say, act. I overthink way too much. I think it can be developed by being part of a supportive culture. Strong arms together can lift spirits and raise optimism. #dtk12chat
A2: IMO optimism is habit of mind that can developed and practiced; developed w/ex of metacognition; pointed out and embraced by culture in classroom; modeled #dtk12chat
Yes, yes, yes, love. Seeing and shaping the entire ecosystem around students to nurture these mindsets (and nurture those who nurture the s's!). #dtk12chat
A2 reckon all mindsets can be cultivated and developed; learning to see w optimism rather than pessimism is a lot of hard work; people don't realize that pessimism usually a survival skill, not a desired POV #dtk12chat
A1 w/o cheating by looking it up: showing positivity, hope, yes and & half-full cup attitude It works as a key mindset in DT bc ignorance is bliss & thinking otherwise stunts creativity, drive, grit, & curiosity, etc #dtk12chat
A2 #dtk12chat It can be cultivated. I imagine I have 100 points. It takes the same energy to be optimistic as pessimistic though I think realism might be a bit of a neutral expenditure?
#dtk12chat A2. Optimism is certainly reinforced by seeing some positive outcomes—or at least few terrible ones—when we try. Which nurtures agency as well.
A3 -- I believe that making a positive impact is key. It can be both on a personal & professional level. But understanding the "Why" is important in order to be an optimistic designer. #dtk12chat
I walk around and take pics of builds. I say something like “ let me capture and share this awesomeness” if you take an pic, they value what they are doing #dtk12chat
We tend to be pessimistic bc we have experienced either pain from optimism or reward from low expectations; self preservation is a difficult mindset to overcome #dtk12chat#itispossible#eternallyoptimistic
Being an optimistic designer doesn’t have to mean silencing our inner critics. It can mean making friends with them. Don’t those critics just want us to build something worthwhile? #dtk12chat
Also - this thought provoking comment from @chrisemdin “"The master's tools will never dismantle the master's house" but Hip-Hop (and other reality pedagogy approaches, me) is our tool. Our tool for dismantling the education plantation.” #dtk12chat
Great. I truly believe if we want to reimagine education, we need to engage, empower artists and designers. The process they use to learn and create, is absent from the current educational system. The art/design process is about emotions, connections, creations. #dtk12chat
And also the magic of serendipity—never knowing ahead of time who the "right" people are, but knowing that the right people are the ones that magically come along when you need it, whoever they are, and whether you know you need it or not. THAT inspires my optimism. #dtk12chat
I think there can also be confusion around what it means 2b optimistic. Optimistic doesn't mean only seeing the good side (which I've heard many folks say), it's finding the not so good & knowing you can make it better. #dtk12chat
In reply to
@WickedDecent, @luckybydesign, @EduQuinn
Great. I truly believe if we want to reimagine education, we need to engage, empower artists and designers. The process they use to learn and create, is absent from the current educational system. The art/design process is about emotions, connections, creations. #dtk12chat
One key condition for optimistic design is creating trust in the room so students pull for each other. Structuring meaningful discussions about their work in progress can help. #dtk12chat
Interesting—I meant not more than a few terrible ones, because after too many folks might lose their optimism (and when I mean terrible, I mean with truly harmful outcomes for the individuals or others—eg. hard punishment for trying). BUT, I love your flip on this :) #dtk12chat
Boy do you know it when you find them. Important to learn and wish I'd learned early. How do we help Ss identify this and build these communities for themselves. #dtk12chat
Being an optimistic designer doesn’t have to mean silencing our inner critics. It can mean making friends with them. Don’t those critics just want us to build something worthwhile? #dtk12chat
Also - this thought provoking comment from @chrisemdin “"The master's tools will never dismantle the master's house" but Hip-Hop (and other reality pedagogy approaches, me) is our tool. Our tool for dismantling the education plantation.” #dtk12chat
What if we don't label so many things/events as good or bad. What if it is more that there are just 'forces' in play that have their role and uses. Of course there are amoral events that have a hardline but many things are not so bad but just first world problems. #dtk12chat
A3: Having time to refine and iterate makes a big difference; clearly understanding constraints and well defined problem help them know they can work towards solutions #dtk12chat
Yes however, systemic inequality (which obv doesn’t fuel optimism) is often maintained by "woke" teachers who blindly follow oppressive curriculum (via Emdin last night in another chat) #dtk12chat
One key condition for optimistic design is creating trust in the room so students pull for each other. Structuring meaningful discussions about their work in progress can help. #dtk12chat
A4 -It is important to keep prototyping and bringing about change. Once there is stagnation, the optimism starts to fade away. It is replaced by pessimism. #dtk12chat
Love this! I struggle carving out time for this, but such a good reminder in how much joy comes from pure play and providing interesting materials. #dtk12chat
One fast track to pessimism is to expect and reward perfect products. How many students think a perfect product is possible? Better to expect and reward risk-taking, decision-making, and innovating in the process. #dtk12chat
It's true, though! ANY design is optimistic, because it shows that you have agency to change something, even if it doesn't turn out the way you hoped. #dtk12chat
A4 -It is important to keep prototyping and bringing about change. Once there is stagnation, the optimism starts to fade away. It is replaced by pessimism. #dtk12chat
#dtk12chat A4. The sense that there's no space (in our lives, budgets, schedules, structures, personal capacity, etc.) for different, better possibilities (to echo @LaurenPorosoff's word).
Let's end with a couple HMWs.
Q5: HMW embrace an attitude of “yes, and…” in our learning communities? Do you have resources, activities, or ideas you can share that have led to increased optimism in your students, colleagues, or community members? #dtk12chat
Let's end with a couple HMWs.
Q5: HMW embrace an attitude of “yes, and…” in our learning communities? Do you have resources, activities, or ideas you can share that have led to increased optimism in your students, colleagues, or community members? #dtk12chat
One fast track to pessimism is to expect and reward perfect products. How many students think a perfect product is possible? Better to expect and reward risk-taking, decision-making, and innovating in the process. #dtk12chat
Let's end with a couple HMWs.
Q5: HMW embrace an attitude of “yes, and…” in our learning communities? Do you have resources, activities, or ideas you can share that have led to increased optimism in your students, colleagues, or community members? #dtk12chat
A5: we’ve done 60+ circles in T1 and eliminated all punitive discipline measures. Our attendance is strong and suspension rate is low. Our students’ Home schools show significantly more suspensions and much lower daily attendance #dtk12chat
I think there can also be confusion around what it means 2b optimistic. Optimistic doesn't mean only seeing the good side (which I've heard many folks say), it's finding the not so good & knowing you can make it better. #dtk12chat
In reply to
@WickedDecent, @luckybydesign, @EduQuinn
My grade 7 SS curriculum is so content-heavy - Canadian history from 11,000 years ago to present. I'm interpreting it through the lens of story - who are we? how did we get here? who do we want to become? #dtk12chat
A5: we’ve done 60+ circles in T1 and eliminated all punitive discipline measures. Our attendance is strong and suspension rate is low. Our students’ Home schools show significantly more suspensions and much lower daily attendance #dtk12chat
#dtk12chat A5. Frequent little design-your-life opportunities. I'll never forget a 2nd grader's face who wanted more time with her working parents and realized that while she couldn't ask for a 2-week vacation, could ask for a full day together. #dtk12chat
Oh gosh! Can we squeeze Q6 in here? It's such a good way to end, as we finish our last few weeks of 2017!
Q6: HMW resolve together to practice a more contagious and lasting optimism in 2018? #dtk12chat
Oh gosh! Can we squeeze Q6 in here? It's such a good way to end, as we finish our last few weeks of 2017!
Q6: HMW resolve together to practice a more contagious and lasting optimism in 2018? #dtk12chat
You might want to take a peek at @FNESC (First Nations Education Steering Committee) and their work. Our new BC Curriculum is more inclusive. We also have SOGI123 teacher resources to understand LGBTQ voice (or lack thereof) in history & literature. #dtk12chat
Oh gosh! Can we squeeze Q6 in here? It's such a good way to end, as we finish our last few weeks of 2017!
Q6: HMW resolve together to practice a more contagious and lasting optimism in 2018? #dtk12chat
A6 where is the #dtk12chat conference???? We need more art/design conferences to empower those creative minds as education change agents. Our educational system needs more artists/designers sharing their ideas. Too often they are marginalized in most traditional school settings.
My approach for Social Studies type courses: What traits of various systems allowed some peoples to gain and hold power. (A bit seditious perhaps but meh). #dtk12chat
