Exploring middle school students’ design thinking processes: An extra-curricular program development

Date

2025-5-20

Author

Aytekin Bircan, Merve

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The present study aimed to examine the design thinking processes of 6th grade students in society and science centers by developing an extra-curricular program based on design thinking approach. It was attempted to explore 6th graders’ interpretations and evaluations on their learning outcomes, the level of prototype performance and fostering/challenging strategies used in this process. For these purposes, a case study was conducted. Convenience sampling was used and the study was conducted with 15 6th grade students. Triangulation was performed with multiple data sources for reliability and so, interviews, observations and video recordings were included. Besides, reflective thinking documents were collected from the students at the end of each day. For interview data, content analysis was conducted and initial codes were generated with open coding. Then, categories were systematically developed with axial coding and selective coding was used to integrate the categories. Also, an adapted measure was used to evaluate the students’ learning outcomes (prototypes). Finally, observers’ notes were analyzed and interviews were conducted with two observers to determine fostering and challenging strategies used in the process. The findings of the study revealed that students had different experiences in the design process in cognitive (learning awareness and association of DBT with school) and affective (positive/negative feelings and favorite/least favorite DBT steps) aspects, different learning outcomes, and fostering and challenging strategies. In general, educators in non-formal learning environment and potential researchers can use the current findings. However, further research is needed to test the findings of this study in different contexts.

Subject Keywords

Design Thinking, Design Based Thinking, Design Thinking Processes, Extra-Curricular Program, Science Center

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/115081

Collections

Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Thesis