The Nature of Iteration in STEAM Design Activities

• In Event: Context, Heuristics, and Iterations in Designing Learning Activities

Abstract

Iteration is a ubiquitous concept across disciplines that is considered pivotal to both design and learning, however there has been little consensus on how to define and identify iteration in practice. We draw on sociomaterial theories and interaction analysis methodologies to examine the nature of iteration in integrated STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities with informal educators during a professional development workshop. We found that iteration was an evaluative endeavor that occurred in microcycles in design activities. We discuss implications for the design of learning environments that focus on process over product, and argue that when facilitators actively discuss and draw learners’ attention to iteration as a practice, it allows designs to emerge through continuous re-evaluation.

Authors

• Priya Pugh, The University of Alaska - Fairbanks

• Blakely K. Tsurusaki, University of Washington Bothell

• Carrie T. Tzou, University of Washington - Bothell

• Laura Carsten Conner, University of Alaska Fairbanks

• Perrin Teal Sullivan, University of Washington - Bothell

• Mareca Guthrie, University of Alaska Fairbanks