Engaging Students in Curriculum Development Through Design Thinking: A Course Design Case

Abstract

This design case documents the motivations, decisions, and results of an experimental course that involved students in the curriculum development process through the use of design thinking methodology. Primary points of student input were determining assignment topics, developing learning objectives, and contributing to the design of grading assessment. The case also examines the student experience and provides a detailed evaluation of the process, including an assessment of the benefits of the approach and a dissection of the unforeseen obstacles in the design process. In this investigation into the intention and execution of the course, educators may find the inspiration and framework to adapt this approach for their own courses.