Student volunteers gather
to brainstorm how we might
improve the washing area
situation together.
How I used priming to instil a sense of student ownership.
people behave the way that they do, and what policy makers and
researchers have done in order to nudge people towards desired
behaviours. Though it seemed strange at first for an Art teacher to be
reading about Science, I learnt that behavioural science and design
thinking can provide a spring of ideas for more effective teaching and
learning. After all, understanding how humans behave can help us to
pre-empt studdents’ behaviour more accurately, and become more
effective realists in the classroom.
WHAT’S THE WORST THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Dare to Try
The Space by Rebecca Hare and Robert Dillon challenges educators
to consider the question: “What is the worst that could happen from
changing your students’ learning space?” I felt that this was a powerful
call to action for all educators who believe that we can do more, but
are perhaps afraid to try. If you are looking for encouragement, you
will find it here. This book inspired me to take the leap of faith and try
my hand at designing with, rather than for my students. I assembled a
team of student volunteers from the classes that I taught, in order to
work on improving the art room’s washing area. In doing so, I learnt that
there are students who are sensitive enough to notice the conditions of
their learning spaces, and caring enough to want to make a difference.
By taking the chance to work with our students more often, we create
opportunities for students to learn that they have the power to effect
positive change in their environment. This could be invaluable in
empowering our youth as well as growing their sense of ownership to
the places in which they live, play and work.
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Recommended Reads from an Educator’s Perspective
Nudge: Improving Decisions about Health, Wealth, and Happiness
By Richard H. Thaler & Cass R. Sunstein
An informative and entertaining introductory read on the
science behind why people behave the way they do.
How practical / applicable are the ideas?
How dense is the theory?
How easy is it to read?
The Space: A Guide for Educators
By Rebecca Louise Hare & Dr. Robert Dillon
A hands-on workbook and idea generator that advocates for
design better learning spaces for students by involving them.
How practical / applicable are the ideas?
How dense is the theory?
How easy is it to read?
Thinking, Fast and Slow
By Daniel Kahneman
An informationally dense book that is ideal for one who wants
to understand ground-breaking behavioural science theory in
depth.
How practical / applicable are the ideas?
How dense is the theory?
How easy is it to read?
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