Design Thinking and Learning

In a seminar course required of students in my doctoral program, we spent a day on problem solving and creativity. Professor John Nash took us through an exercise that originated with the Stanford d.school where we used problem solving and then design thinking to create the perfect wallet for a student partner.

Our exercise included:

• Interviewing a partner to engage them and gather insights about wallet use
• Defining and articulating a point of view based on the interview insights
• Sketching new alternatives based on the point of view
• Testing ideas with our partner to gather feedback
• Acting on the feedback and building a wallet prototype from art supplies

This was a fun exercise that I think can be adapted for use with student leaders to encourage bigger picture thinking and processing. You can read more about the exercise and view a student interview at Nash’s blog.

Earning respect.

Delaney: Why are you doing this thing, Mom?

The research project? It's part of my degree. Getting a Ph.D. means learning to do research and find out new things.

Delaney: The Ph.D. means I can call you Dr. Mom?

Yes, it's the highest degree that I can earn and it is well respected in my work.

Delaney: That's perfect for you, Mom! You are already well respected.

Thank you, Delaney.

Would you like fries with that?

It's nice to know that I have something to fall back on if this Student Affairs gig does not work out.

Little Engine That Could

April is what it is in Student Affairs.

Without doubt, it is one of the most challenging thirty day stretches

that those of us in the field face annually.

A holiday, one campus festival, and an out of town soccer tournament.

I think I can, I think I can.

57 graduation notes to send.

I think I can, I think I can.

Three budget forecasts to review.

I think I can, I think I can.

Two graduate assistants to hire.

I think I can, I think I can.

Two annual reports to complete.

I think I can, I think I can.

One birthday party to plan.

I think I can, I think I can.

562 scholarship applications to read.

I think I can, I think I can.

One research paper to write.

I think I can, I think I can.