Designing and Iterating for Interdisciplinary, Creative Research in Graduate Teams
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Abstract
Two graduate-level courses were designed to advance creative, interdisciplinary teamwork among graduate students. Over three years, the two courses underwent three iterations largely focused on refinements to teamwork, which led to high-quality student products. This design case presents the three course iterations, how course design decisions were made, and the kind of results that were achieved. The paper concludes with reflections for designing higher education courses focused on creativity, interdisciplinarity, and teamwork.
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Talia Hurwich, Drexel University
Talia Hurwich is a postdoctoral fellow at George Washington University with expertise in comics, games, and design in various educational settings.
Diana Nicholas, Drexel University
Diana Nicholas is an Associate Professor and the founding Director of MS Design Research at Drexel University.
Fraser F. Fleming, Drexel University
Fraser F. Fleming is a Renaissance-style professor at Drexel University with expertise in chemistry, science and religion, and creativity.
Elaine Perignat, Immaculata University
Elaine Perignat is an Assistant Professor at Immaculata University with expertise in interdisciplinary education, creativity, and business education.
Daniel King, Drexel University
Daniel King is an Associate Professor in the Chemistry Department at Drexel University, with expertise in chemical education research, active learning implementation and the use of technology as a pedagogical tool.
Jennifer Katz-Buonincontro, Drexel University
Jennifer Katz-Buonincontro is a professor at Drexel University’s School of Education with expertise in creativity.
Paul Gondek, Drexel University
Paul Gondek is an Adjunct Teaching Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Drexel University. Because of his 35-year career as a consultant to new product development teams, his interests lie in the group processes that lead to efficiency and effectiveness in teamwork.

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