This paper documents the impact of integrative project-based modules on creative students’ mindsets. In 2020, Singapore Polytechnic was the first Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) in Singapore to merge eight different creative disciplines (e.g., animation, games, music, design) into one new common diploma. One of the main reasons was to address the increasing importance of hybrid skillsets in a complex world (SkillsFuture Singapore, 2020). A key feature of the diploma is project-based modules where students from different creative disciplines come together in mixed groups to work on real-world client projects, to cross-learn, deepen and integrate their skills. A design-led framework (Investigate, Imagine, Implement) is used to support learning across disciplines. The project-based modules were designed to cultivate a design thinking mindset in students. 13 dimensions of the design thinking mindset (Dosi et. al, 2018) were identified to be especially important for creative students (Design Education Advisory Committee, 2023). Surveys were conducted with year 1 and year 2 students (n = 278; n = 246) before and after the modules. We found that students grew in their design thinking mindset in both modules, especially in the dimensions of being comfortable with ambiguity, embracing risk, and mindfulness of the process, which are integral when tackling real-world challenges. Students’ qualitative feedback further highlighted how beneficial it was to learn from and work with students from different disciplines. Our experience with integrating project-based modules in a common creative diploma would be useful to other IHLs and educators interested in design thinking or transdisciplinary mindsets.

Authors:
Clarice Sim, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore
Li Min Chong, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore
Mark Lu, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore

About the Presenter(s)
Chong Li Min leads pedagogy and curriculum initiatives for Singapore Polytechnic’s Media, Arts & Design School. Her passion lies in fostering students’ creative confidence to embrace ambiguity and connect the dots, via real-world wicked problems.

Connect on Linkedin
www.linkedin.com/in/chonglimin

Additional website of interest
https://sites.google.com/view/madtdtoolkit/home

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