Newsletter (2017-2018) February 2018 Newsletter | Page 6

WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHTS
Hanna Bilińska | Poland
What is the connection between designing a personalised handbag and seeking solutions to some of
the complex problems faced by the Hong Kong education system? How could a group of primary
school students from a small province in India develop an effective model of inclusive education for
their physically impaired colleagues? Those issues, along with many other matters, were discussed
during one of my ongoing workshops named “Design your thinking- taking a creative approach
to problem solving”. Unlike most academic workshops, this one focused on developing student’s
creativity and critical thinking though games and fun activities.
At the beginning of the workshop students were introduced to the basic theory and methodology
of design thinking, based on four themes: “feel, imagine, do and share”. Afterwards they were
asked to apply this knowledge to a range of practical exercises. For example, the participants had to
conduct an extensive interview with their partners. Using information gained during this activity,
they were instructed to make a backpack or handbag for that person and explain how this product
is meant to address their specific needs. Using the same methodology during a group activity, stu-
dents proposed ways to decrease suicide rates among high school students and help weaker pupils
to be more engaged in classroom activities. The most rew