Design Thinking in Action: Applications for Teacher Professional Development

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 12:40 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Design-Based Research and Transformative Practices: Cultivating Teacher Educator Agency and Professional Growth (Table 11)

Abstract

In a rapidly changing educational landscape, the concept of "teachers as designers" highlights the active role teachers play in crafting learning environments tailored to the unique needs of their students. This case study investigates the implementation of design thinking in teacher professional development. Twenty-four science teachers participated in a series of design activities to envision a more inclusive, engaging, and adaptive future for science education. Analysis of teachers' reflective journals and focus group interviews revealed both perceived benefits and challenges of the design thinking process. The findings also indicated a shift in teachers' perceptions of their roles as designers. This study offers insights and practical strategies for integrating design thinking into teacher training programs, ultimately enhancing teacher education practices.

Authors

• Melis Dilek, Iowa State University

• Evrim Baran, Iowa State University

• Sedef Canbazoglu Bilici, Gazi University

• Sumeyra Yilmaz, Afyon Kocatepe University