Role of 'design thinking' & Lego Robotics

We often teach our children to focus on their grades and reward them when they answer correctly. Unfortunately, many schools worldwide, including Bangladesh, rely heavily on textbooks and other traditional materials. Hence, the fixed curriculum has been criticised for stifling kids' creativity. It has been slowly proving ineffective, especially when preparing our kids for the future. The future is not just about providing the correct answers as we have things like Google for that; instead, it is about innovators, creators, and problem-solvers.

Therefore, designing an effective learning and teaching process to help our children hone their creativity has become critical. Design thinking will allow children to become innovators and creators and develop problem-solving skills. It will help the kids to thrive in the fast-changing world. But what is design thinking, and how will it help our kids?

Design thinking is a process that engages people in opportunities to empathise and understand needs (Empathise), identify or redefine problems (Ideate), brainstorm ideas (Prototype), and test the ideas by using prototypes to learn and repeat to create the best solution (Test). Let me explain the concept clearly through a simple example; suppose you ask a child to design a plane, and that child might develop the most remarkable plane that ever existed. But what if you ask the child to create a unique solution for transporting people from one place to another? The child can provide you with unlimited solutions.

When a child starts thinking about solutions to an issue rather than just redesigning an existing one, that is innovation at its best and can be very powerful. Design thinking isn't a course but a methodology to solve issues in the most creative ways that can be applied anywhere. The framework has been successful as it always keeps the human need at its core, which helps conveniently shape the solution to the problem. Therefore, it can also be a robust framework that can be very effective for parents and educators in raising lifelong creators.

Design thinking will ensure our children to develop the confidence to respond to new challenges. Unlike traditional ways, design thinking will inspire children to embrace failure, take risks, and develop persistence. Through it, the children will learn how to identify and define problems and create actionable solutions. They will have the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn any concept and develop an attitude of 'nothing is too big to solve.' The children will also understand the value of collaboration and feedback.

Brands like Apple, Google, and Samsung and the best universities often use the design thinking model to bring innovative ideas. In addition, design thinking brings out IB's (International Baccalaureate) mission to develop inquisitive, knowledgeable, and caring children who create new ideas to solve real-world issues in life.

Schools can use design thinking to redesign student spaces and school systems to heighten the learning experience, such as using Lego Robotics to enhance learning. Using a design thinking framework and Lego, students will create an understanding of robotics and code and establish a healthy dose of creative confidence. In addition, Lego Robotics will help young children to identify their passions. Children of all ages are introduced to Mathematics, Science, and Engineering, the three components of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). Here children can develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills from early years. It will also let their creativity run wild as it enhances the use of their creative imaginations.

On the other hand, a robust Robotics curriculum will create tomorrow's leaders. Students tend to shine when given the right opportunity; for example, when controlling a robot or working in a group setting, the students might present their strength to others but, more importantly, to themselves while building their confidence and self-esteem. Robotics often lead to community involvement. We will see higher grades, improved attendance, positive attitudes, and fewer behavioural issues when we allow children to work on something they have created. Their confidence level skyrockets.

Robotics and STEM, or STEAM, including the "A" that stands for "Arts", skills taught today will educate some of the most visionary leaders of tomorrow. While some children might never set foot in a Math and Science building of a university or work for organisations like NASA, we know that Robotics, combined with design thinking, will create some outstanding leaders in the military, business, and the government.

Children worldwide, including Bangladesh, have varying interests and skills; hence, early years are vital for learning who they are and their capabilities. It's essential to teach children to embrace failure and empower them to rise from it. Instil within themselves that there are no bad ideas and inspire them with opportunities to enhance their creativity.

The world is full of endless problems waiting to be solved by curious minds in the most innovative ways. Thus, it is our responsibility to help the children to run free with their ideas and create outstanding prototypes and solutions for the future. Remember, they are tomorrow's leaders and must be ready for the rapidly changing world.

Thomas Van Der Wielen is director of International School Dhaka (ISD).
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