Design Thinking Approach in Teaching Physics

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Innovation in teaching strategy is necessary at the present time to develop 21st century skills such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication among learners. Empowering learners with 21st century skills is essential as they thrive in this modern world, which demands critical thinkers, problem solvers, digitally literate, effective communicators and innovators. To address this need, there should be innovation in education especially in the teaching strategies utilized by teachers in delivering the lessons to the students. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of design thinking approach in teaching physics concepts. Also, the study assessed the development of students' skills along the phases of design thinking and the level of students' understanding and appreciation of the approach in learning physics concepts.

METHODS

The experimental and descriptive methods of research were used by the researcher in conducting the study with the aid of achievement test and questionnaire as research instruments in data gathering. Two groups of respondents were involved in this study: the control group where traditional method of teaching was utilized and the experimental group where design thinking approach was implemented. The study was conducted at Padre Vicente Garcia Memorial Academy during the school year 2018-2019. Weighted mean, average weighted mean, and t-test were the statistical tools used in order to answer the research questions.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that the students in the experimental group where design thinking approach was utilized performed better. The students strongly agreed that the phases of design thinking approach such as empathizing, ideating, prototyping, and testing develop their verbal communication skills, creativity, and emotional stability. The students had very high level of understanding and appreciation on the items used to describe design thinking as an approach in learning physics concepts.

DISCUSSIONS

The proposed instructional guide utilizing design thinking approach will serve as a tool in conducting an interactive class in physics that will engage students in design challenges. The guide is designed following the four phase of design thinking: empathizing, ideating, prototyping, and testing. Educators may shift from traditional methods of teaching through innovative strategies that will cater the needs of 21st century learners.