Constraints and Ambiguity: Some Design Strategies for Supporting Small-scale Creativity in the Classroom

TY - GEN

T1 - Constraints and Ambiguity

T2 - European Conference on Cognitive Ergonomics

AU - Dove, Graham

AU - Biskjær, Michael Mose

AU - Lundqvist, Caroline Emilie

AU - Falk Olesen, Jeanette

AU - Halskov, Kim

N1 - Conference code: 2017

PY - 2017

Y1 - 2017

N2 - Developing creative abilities is an important part of 21st century skills, and yet remains challenging. In this paper1 we describe a study investigating small-scale creative strategies that groups of Scandinavian high school students use when collaboratively building LEGO models. We recorded thirty groups of students building three models each. We studied groups building with traditional plastic bricks and also using a digital environment. The building tasks students undertake, and our subsequent analysis, are informed by the role constraints and ambiguity play in creative processes. Based on the insights we gained, we present three strategies for designing tools and environments that support students as they develop creative skills. These strategies relate to: tools and materials, mutual learning, and reflection.

AB - Developing creative abilities is an important part of 21st century skills, and yet remains challenging. In this paper1 we describe a study investigating small-scale creative strategies that groups of Scandinavian high school students use when collaboratively building LEGO models. We recorded thirty groups of students building three models each. We studied groups building with traditional plastic bricks and also using a digital environment. The building tasks students undertake, and our subsequent analysis, are informed by the role constraints and ambiguity play in creative processes. Based on the insights we gained, we present three strategies for designing tools and environments that support students as they develop creative skills. These strategies relate to: tools and materials, mutual learning, and reflection.

KW - Reflective learning

KW - creativity

KW - design strategies

KW - empirical study

KW - Reflective learning

KW - creativity

KW - design strategies

KW - empirical study

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85033502581&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1145/3121283.3121310

DO - 10.1145/3121283.3121310

M3 - Article in proceedings

SN - 978-1-4503-5256-7

SP - 69

EP - 76

BT - 35th Annual Conference of the European Association of Cognitive Ergonomics

Y2 - 19 September 2017 through 22 September 2017

ER -