One of the first lessons that I teach is on the engineering design process. I do this through an open inquiry lesson that I try to keep completely student driven. We first briefly talk and discuss the design process as a class. The students then, through a completely open discussion, are asked to give me jobs, scenarios, problems, and research where the design process would be used. As a class they then choose 3-5 of those ideas that they as a class would like to know more about. I go through and make sure they are all classroom feasible and appropriate and let them go.
Students allowed 3-4 in a group and to use the design process in however way they think would best solve the problem of investigate the idea. I try to work as a facilitator of learning in my classroom and not as the know all be all of the subject. This lesson sets that framework. Students are allowed to consult with me or ask me for assistance of any kind. Most of the time they are met with another question to guide their inquiry rather than a solution to their question. We are trying to create self motivated thinking adults and how can they do this if we give just hand out the answers freely.
This lesson usually takes up the first week of real instruction in my classroom. It is a great way for students to learn that they are responsible for their own learning and should see every classroom as a possibility to increase their own knowledge. The design process is a great tool for this. They must learn to follow the appropriate steps to solve and manipulate problems to get to their end goal.
Any suggestions on improvements for my lesson?
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