Thinking style and collaborative design learning: an empirical investigation

Antonio Volpentesta, Salvatore Ammirato, Francesco Sofo

    Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookConference contributionpeer-review

    5 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Design is both a practice and a way of thinking and forms the focus of this article which reports on concerted attempts to develop the design ability and creativity of students from different engineering disciplines through a Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach in a collaborative educational environment. The approach we introduce in this paper follows the idea that creativity arises from knowledge-sharing and synergies created through having many student designers working with a virtual group and a team coordinated by a teacher who plays the role of concept design manager. Using a thinking style inventory, pre- and post-survey, data were collected and successively analyzed through ANOVA techniques with the aim to reveal if any changes occur in the preferred thinking styles of learners while they are working and interacting during a PBL experience. Statistically significant results in pilot studies showed students successfully developed empathy and an openness to multiple perspectives. Furthermore, data analysis of pilot studies confirmed that the proposed collaborative learning experience conducted through the PBL approach positively contributed to increased awareness in students' thinking styles
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication15th International Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work in Design (CSCWD), 2011
    Editors Shen, Barthes, Luo, Kropf, Pouly, Yong, Xue, Ramos
    Place of PublicationLausanne, Switzerland
    PublisherIEEE, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
    Pages716-721
    Number of pages6
    Volume1
    ISBN (Print)97814577038704
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2011
    Event15th International Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work in Design - Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
    Duration: 8 Jun 201110 Jun 2011

    Conference

    Conference15th International Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work in Design
    Country/TerritorySwitzerland
    CityLausanne
    Period8/06/1110/06/11

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