This research aims to describe the Design Thinking (DT) based Global Citizenship program and the institutional context at Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) education at Leiden University College (LUC) in Netherlands, with the goal of sharing lessons learned for similar initiatives at LAS around the world.
A case study approach was used to examine diverse DT activities conducted at LAS-LUC with undergraduates along with review of institutional mechanisms supporting these activities. Data were collected through literature and document reviews, observations, in-depth interviews, student focus group discussions (FGD) and faculty in-depth interviews.
This case study of a DT program implemented at a major LAS college in the Netherlands, illustrates how such a program can be successfully introduced. A qualitative analysis showed a positive association between DT and students’ perceptions of their creativity and personal growth in understanding sustainability practices. Students reported that the DT approach was enriching and demonstrated appreciation for multifaceted application of knowledge across disciplines. Nonetheless, results from FGD show that students encounter difficulties in abstracting ideas from real situations to tractable innovative solutions.
The findings from our study can inform and support the ongoing transformation in LAS education to go beyond traditional disciplinary ways of teaching. We call for educators to engage students in the complex interactions between social, economic and environmental systems to build students’ capacities to address and solve wicked problems in the real world. We aim to share highlights of our curricula and pedagogy to encourage the development of DT based curricula.

Authors:
Min Jung Cho, Leiden University, Netherlands
Ann Trevenen-Jones, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Netherlands

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Min Jung Cho is an assistant professor at Leiden University College. Her expertise is in global health and international development with contributions to knowledge and skills in academia.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mj-cho-8828a3185

Dr. Ann Trevenen-Jones leads the Food Systems Governance Programme and co-chaired the Expert Advisory Panel for the Keeping Food Markets Working: Policy and Coordination, COVID-19 initiative.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-trevenen-jones-phd-4133136/

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mj-cho-8828a3185

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