A tale between two learning models: Part 1

I've been participating in our education regional program involving Project Based Learning.  The leaders of this cohort have done a great job really putting the learning back on us.  This means that I've learned much about the PBL process through examples they've provided, discussions with colleagues and through my PLN.  I'm still a "teacher in training" on this learning concept and am still learning each day.  I won't lie to you and tell you I believe this is the answer for all teachers and all learners.  Project based learning is very involved and in my opinion, isn't necessarily feasible for all teachers and learners.  I continue on a journey to find a suite of learning practices that cater to many learning styles and cultivate critical thinking among many other things.

This brings me to the reason for part one of this post.  While attending SXSWedu, I met a forward-thinking teacher named, Stephanie Cerda.  She teaches second grade at the University of Texas Elementary School in Austin, TX.  Our conversation led to her passion for what's called "design thinking".  She encouraged me to attend a session titled, "The Problem Finders:  Design Thinking Across School".  This was presented by two very dynamic consultants and the CEO of NoTosh, Ewan McIntosh and Tom Barrett.   It was the very last session at SXSWedu and our end keynote speaker was Bill Gates.  While others spent their time waiting outside the doors to watch Bill Gates for fear of losing out on good seating, my team and I braved the prospect of missing a good seat in exchange for attending this last session.  And I was so glad I did (Bill Gates wasn't all that and a bag of wasabi flavored chips anyway).  I was blown away!  I loved the idea of how these guys spend their time consulting with companies and school districts on the benefits of creative and critical thinking.  So far, they've even proven to be accessible and willing to help practically anyone who is interested in increasing learning value in the classroom.  It dawned on me that both Problem Based learning and Design Thinking both relate to real world thinking.  However, I really think these guys are on to something by demonstrating how their thinking methods are utilized for businesses and schools.  Doesn't that seem logical?  That what we are trying to accomplish is to provide our students with a real world sensibility built by creative thinkers?  If design thinking can be implemented in both sectors, I see this as a potential lasting approach to successful learning.  You can go back and follow the conversation thread from this session at #DTschool on Twitter.

So, now I'm caught in between, what sounds like two valuable learning processes.  One that seems complex and warrants much practice and learning.  The other, design thinking, so far, seems to be a bit more fluid and comfortable.  I couldn't really tell you what's better.  I'm just here to tell you my experiences with both.  I know there are many other great strategies to implement, but my focus will be on these two for right now.  Stay tuned to hear about my conversation in a Google Hangout with Ms. Stephanie Cerda about her experience with design thinking and how it relates to Project Based Learning.