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“D-TIPS”, Design Thinking in Primary Schools, new project coordinated by the TIDE research group

 

(Original text at the web of the group)

TIDE started this September the coordination of the Erasmus+ D-TIPS project – Design Thinking In Primary Schools. 

D-TIPS aims to equip primary school teachers with the appropriate tools and methods to impart the design thinking approach to children in Europe. The development of critical cognitive and non-cognitive abilities, such as critical thinking, reflection, self-regulation, and collaboration, are high on the agenda of all schools. It is though developing these skills in children that schools can contribute to mitigating major challenges in society. A key resource in developing those skills are the teachers; upgrading their educational practices and providing lifelong learning opportunities for them is a European priority. Training in design thinking can increase the resilience of both teachers and children when facing complex issues. Design thinking is not only a way of responding to problems, but a practice of reframing the problems (critical thinking) and a practice of co-creation (collective intelligence and cooperation). It is also a method of continuous improvement, a way of imagining the future and an approach to iteration through trial and error (problem solving). 

D-TIPS will focus on designing tools and methods developed specifically for primary school teachers. It will provide training for teachers in design thinking practices and a means of connecting them in order continuously hone their newly acquired skills. The D-TIPS toolbox will be supported by an online environment which will help to facilitate the creation of Design Thinking learning activities. We will also build and develop a transnational community of teachers with similar interests that will enable the sharing of best practices, understanding, and professional experience.

The consortium integrates partners from different European countries (Spain, Belgium, Norway, Netherlands and Lithuania, with associated partners from Romania and France).

Check our previous project in this research line, and the developed game.