Dear NAEA K-12 Art Educators, We are very excited to share that the Industrial Designers Society of
America and Doris Wells-Papanek, M.Ed., principal of Tailored
Learning Tools, have established a collaborative partnership
with the National
Art Education Association (NAEA). The goal of the partnership is to
create direct links between IDSA Design Learning Challenge 2012, college art and design students, and NAEA K-12 art educators and their students. Dr. Robin Vande Zande, associate professor and
coordinator of art education at Kent State University School of Art, has
graciously agreed to act as our key connection through her role as the chair of
NAEA’s Design Issues Group. Purpose The primary purpose of the IDSA Design Learning Challenge 2012 is to expose young students to design thinking and create an active awareness of the discipline of industrial design before students leave high school. Regardless of career choice, the potential life skills gained by understanding the design process offers value. Backstory The focus of this
year’s challenge is anchored in a recent survey regarding the discovery process of the
discipline of industrial design. We captured the voice of 250
practitioners, students and educators regarding how and when they realized
industrial design was the discipline for them. Most telling of our
findings revealed insight into how and when students discovered the discipline. Data indicates 40 percent of the respondents knew of
the discipline prior to high school graduation, whereas 40 percent did not
discover the field until they had been enrolled in higher education for at
least 1-3 years. Of those who were aware prior to high school graduation,
46 percent reported to have been motivated (in respective order) by a relative,
art teacher, friend or school counselor. Pedagogy | Three Submission Categories to Choose From Embracing a Learn.Think.Do approach, each team will focus on one of three categories: Design Day Event, Targeted Design Project or Industrial Design Awareness Campaign. The Learn.Think.Do approach is anchored in the best practices of design thinking, 21st century learning skills, effective instructional flow, action research, project based learning, the human condition, and engaging today's students.
The K-12 art students will be part of a design team to be led by 2-4 higher
education art and design students. The art and design students will be mentored by a
local college educator or practicing professional and encouraged to
collaborate with complementary disciplines such as education or
business. Prior to engaging with the younger art students, the art and design
students will propose a lesson plan to the art educator for feedback,
refinement, and approval. The art educator and team will agree upon one category that best support the learning needs of all involved. Sets of specific issues and problems will be defined
for the art students to brainstorm and
select from within the category.
Using a participatory approach such as described below, art and design teams and K-12 students will co-create their learning experiences and outcomes. Throughout the learning experience, design and art students will practice critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity and innovation skills as linked to local visual arts learning standards.
To participate, simply send an email message and I will be more than happy to facilitate a direct connection to a art and design student team in your local area. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact me at any time. It is with deep appreciation to have this opportunity to collaborate with you and your students. As result of your investment in this project, given sponsorship involvement, it is our intent that your class will receive an in-kind donation of intrinsic value. Your input regarding your needs would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Doris Wells-Papanek, M.Ed., IDSA |