A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON THE DESIGN THINKING COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK FOR STUDENTS IN STE(A)M EDUCATION
Main Article Content
Abstract
Competency assessment is becoming a dominant trend in global education, highlighting the need for the development and standardisation of assessment tools. This study synthesises and analyses both domestic and international research findings on the competencies exhibited by secondary school students engaged in solution-design learning activities, particularly in STE(A)M education. Based on these findings, the study proposes a comprehensive design thinking competency framework for Vietnamese secondary school students, consisting of five components: empathic problem setting, reasoning, ideation, modelling, and process management. This framework will serve as a foundation for educators in developing assessment instruments for design thinking competencies and informing STE(A)M education policy-making in Vietnam. Additionally, the study emphasises the importance of fostering these competencies to equip students with essential abilities for success in the 21st century.
Keywords
competency assessment, competency framework, design thinking competency, STE(A)M education, Vietnamese students
Article Details
References
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Bain, J., & McLaren, S. V. (2006). Sustainable Assessment: Exploring A Learner-Centred Approach in Practice. In H. P. Middleton (Ed.), Values in Technology Education: 4th Biennial International Conference on Technology Education Research (TERC 2006) (pp. 1-7). Surfers Paradise, QLD: Centre for Learning Research, Griffith University.
Baynes, K., & Baynes, B. (2010). Models of Change: The Future of Design Education. Design and Technology Education, 15(3), 10-17.
Bequette, J. W., & Bequette, M. B. (2012). A Place for Art and Design Education in the STEM Conversation. Art Education, 65(2), 40-47. https://doi.org/10.1080/00043125.2012.11519167
Berry, M. (2012). Analysis of a Program to Promote Design Education in Rural Queensland Secondary Schools. In H. Middleton (Ed.), 7th Biennial International Conference on Technology Education Research 2012: "Best Practice in Technology, Design and Engineering Education" (pp. 52-60). Griffith, Queensland, Australia: Griffith Institute for Educational Research.
Bush, S. B., Edelen, D., Roberts, T., Maiorca, C., Ivy, J. T., Cook, K. L., Tripp, L. O., Burton, M., Alameh, S., Jackson, C., Mohr-Schroeder, M., Schroeder, D. C., McCurdy, R. P., & Robert, C. Jr. (2022). Humanistic STE(A)M Instruction through Empathy: Leveraging Design Thinking to Improve Society. Pedagogies: An International Journal, 19(1), 60-79.
Carroll, M., Goldman, S., Britos, L., Koh, J., Royalty, A., & Hornstein, M. (2010). Destination, Imagination and the Fires Within: Design Thinking in a Middle School Classroom. International Journal of Art and Design Education, 29(1), 37-53. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-8070.2010.01632.x
Cusens, D., & Byrd, H. (2013). An Exploration of Foundational Design Thinking across Educational Domains. Art, Design, and Communication in Higher Education, 12(2), 229-245. https://doi.org/10.1386/adch.12.2.229_1
Dunne, D. L., Martin, R., & Rotman, J. L. (2006). Design Thinking and How It Will Change Management Education: An Interview and Discussion. Academy of Management Learning and Education, 5(4), 512-523. https://doi.org/10.5465/AMLE.2006.23473212
Ergin, A., & Coskun, Y. D. (2024). Design Thinking Scale Development: Assessing Reliability and Validity. International Journal on Social and Education Sciences, 6(3), 319-333.
Fodor, E. M., & Carver, R. A. (2000). Achievement and Power Motives, Performance Feedback, and Creativity. Journal of Research in Personality, 34(4), 380-396.
Hogan, R. (1969). Development of an Empathy Scale. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 33(3), 307-316. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0027580
Johns, G., & Mentzer, N. (2016). STEM integration through design and inquiry. Technology and Engineering Teacher, 76(3), 13-17.
Kampylis, P., & Valtanen, J. (2010). Redefining Creativity - Analyzing Definitions, Collocations, and Consequences. The Journal of Creative Behavior, 44(3), 191-214.
Kelley, T. R. (2010). Optimisation, an Important Stage of Engineering Design. The Technology Teacher, 69(5), 18-23. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/ncete_publications/32/
Kelley, T. R. (2014). Construction of an Engineer’s Notebook Rubric. Technology and Engineering Teacher, 73(5), 26-32.
Kelley, T. R. (2017). Design Sketching: A Lost Skill. Technology and Engineering Teacher, 76(8), 8-12.
Kimbell, R. (2007). Assessment of Design and Technology in the U.K.: International Approaches to Assessment, CTTE 56th yearbook. In M. C. Hoepfl, & M. R. Lindstrom (Eds.), Assessment of Technology Education (pp. 181-202). Pennsylvania, US: Glencoe-McGraw Hill Publishing.
Ladachart, L., Khamlarsai, S., & Phothong, W. (2022). Cultivating a Design Thinking Mindset in Educationally Disadvantaged Students Using a Design-based Activity. International Journal of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education, 30(4), 1-14.
Lammi, M., & Becker, K. (2013). Engineering Design Thinking. Journal of Technology Education, 24, 55-77. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1005688
Lim, S. S., Lim-Ratnam, C., & Atencio, M. (2013). Understanding the Processes behind Student Designing: Cases from Singapore. Design and Technology Education, 18(1), 20-29.
Melles, G., Howard, Z., & Thompson-Whiteside, S. (2012). Teaching Design Thinking: Expanding Horizons in Design Education. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 31, 162-166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.12.035
Mentzer, N. (2014). Team-Based Engineering Design Thinking. Journal of Technology Education, 25(2), 52-72. https://doi.org/10.21061/jte.v25i2.a.4
Mentzer, N., Becker, K., & Sutton, M. (2015). Engineering Design Thinking: High School Students’ Performance and Knowledge. Journal of Engineering Education, 104(4), 417-432. https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20105
Nguyen, H. D., Nguyen, H. N., & Ta, T. T. (2024). Enhancing Technology Competence among Primary Students through STEAM Lessons Applying the Design Thinking Process. Journal of Elementary Education, 17(2), 189-207. https://doi.org/10.18690/rei.2960
Nguyen, T. N., & Ta, T. T. (2021). STEAM Education and the Applicability of Design Thinking as an Approach to Integrate Art-Liberal into STEAM Education. Ho Chi Minh City University of Education Journal of Science, 18(2), 310-320. https://doi.org/10.54607/hcmue.js.18.2.2996(2021)
Nguyen, V. B., Nguyen, A. T., Dang, V. S., & Nguyen, T. T. (2020). Reliability and Validity an Instrument to Assess Creative Competency in Engineering Design on STEM Education. Hanoi National University of Education Journal of Science, 65(1), 151-162. https://doi.org/10.18173/2354-1075.2020-0015
Norris, A. (2014). Make-Her-Spaces as Hybrid Places: Designing and Resisting Self Constructions in Urban Classrooms. Equity & Excellence in Education, 47(1), 63-77. https://doi.org/10.1080/10665684.2014.866879
Phanphairoja, K., & Waleeittipat, S. (2022). Measurement Scale of Design Thinking Competency for Thai. Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences, 43, 857-866.
Razzoukm, R., & Shute, V. (2012). What Is Design Thinking and Why Is It Important? Review of Educational Research, 82(3), 330-348.
Rubenstein, D. J. (2000). Stimulating Children’s Creativity and Curiosity: Does Content and Medium Matter? The Journal of Creative Behavior, 34(1), 1-17.
Rusmann, A., & Ejsing-Duun, S. (2022). When Design Thinking Goes to School: A Literature Review of Design Competences for the K-12 Level. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 32(4), 2063-2091. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-021-09692-4
Scheer, A., Nowesk, C., & Meinel, C. (2012). Transforming Constructivist Learning into Action: Design Thinking in Education. Design and Technology Education: An International Journal, 17(3), 8-19. Retrieved July 26, 2022, from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ996067.pdf
Shah, J. J., Vargas-Hernandez, N., & Smith, S. M. (2003). Metrics for Measuring Ideation Effectiveness. Design Studies, 24(2), 111-134.
Sumadrita, D., & Sreenidhi, S. K. (2017). Hope – Holistic & Objective Psychometric Effectiveness in Competency Mapping. International Journal of Human Resource Management and Research, 7(1), 11-28.
Ta, T. T. (2023). Proposing the Process of Developing a Scale for Students’ Competency: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach. Ho Chi Minh City University of Education Journal of Science, 20(8), 1337-1352. https://doi.org/10.54607/hcmue.js.20.8.3812(2023)
Ta, T. T., Do, H. N., Nguyen, H. N., & Le, T. T. (2024). Framework for Measuring High School Students’ Design Thinking Competency in STE(A)M Education. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-024-09922-5
Ta, T. T., Ta, H. A., & Nguyen, T. N. (2023). Students' Design Thinking Competency Expressed through Empathetic Problem-solving in STEAM Education. TNU Journal of Science and Technology, 228(04), 165-173. https://doi.org/10.34238/tnu-jst.7569
Tan, C., & Wong, Y. L. (2011). Promoting Spiritual Ideals through Design Thinking in Public Schools. International Journal of Children's Spirituality, 17(1), 25-37. https://doi.org/10.1080/1364436X.2011.651714
Watson, A. D. (2015). Design Thinking for Life. Art Education, 68(3), 12-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/00043125.2015.11519317
Anderson, N. (2012). Design Thinking: Employing an Effective Multidisciplinary Pedagogical Framework to Foster Creativity and Innovation in Rural and Remote Education. Australian and International Journal of Rural Education, 22(2), 43-52.
Bain, J., & McLaren, S. V. (2006). Sustainable Assessment: Exploring A Learner-Centred Approach in Practice. In H. P. Middleton (Ed.), Values in Technology Education: 4th Biennial International Conference on Technology Education Research (TERC 2006) (pp. 1-7). Surfers Paradise, QLD: Centre for Learning Research, Griffith University.
Baynes, K., & Baynes, B. (2010). Models of Change: The Future of Design Education. Design and Technology Education, 15(3), 10-17.
Bequette, J. W., & Bequette, M. B. (2012). A Place for Art and Design Education in the STEM Conversation. Art Education, 65(2), 40-47. https://doi.org/10.1080/00043125.2012.11519167
Berry, M. (2012). Analysis of a Program to Promote Design Education in Rural Queensland Secondary Schools. In H. Middleton (Ed.), 7th Biennial International Conference on Technology Education Research 2012: "Best Practice in Technology, Design and Engineering Education" (pp. 52-60). Griffith, Queensland, Australia: Griffith Institute for Educational Research.
Bush, S. B., Edelen, D., Roberts, T., Maiorca, C., Ivy, J. T., Cook, K. L., Tripp, L. O., Burton, M., Alameh, S., Jackson, C., Mohr-Schroeder, M., Schroeder, D. C., McCurdy, R. P., & Robert, C. Jr. (2022). Humanistic STE(A)M Instruction through Empathy: Leveraging Design Thinking to Improve Society. Pedagogies: An International Journal, 19(1), 60-79.
Carroll, M., Goldman, S., Britos, L., Koh, J., Royalty, A., & Hornstein, M. (2010). Destination, Imagination and the Fires Within: Design Thinking in a Middle School Classroom. International Journal of Art and Design Education, 29(1), 37-53. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-8070.2010.01632.x
Cusens, D., & Byrd, H. (2013). An Exploration of Foundational Design Thinking across Educational Domains. Art, Design, and Communication in Higher Education, 12(2), 229-245. https://doi.org/10.1386/adch.12.2.229_1
Dunne, D. L., Martin, R., & Rotman, J. L. (2006). Design Thinking and How It Will Change Management Education: An Interview and Discussion. Academy of Management Learning and Education, 5(4), 512-523. https://doi.org/10.5465/AMLE.2006.23473212
Ergin, A., & Coskun, Y. D. (2024). Design Thinking Scale Development: Assessing Reliability and Validity. International Journal on Social and Education Sciences, 6(3), 319-333.
Fodor, E. M., & Carver, R. A. (2000). Achievement and Power Motives, Performance Feedback, and Creativity. Journal of Research in Personality, 34(4), 380-396.
Hogan, R. (1969). Development of an Empathy Scale. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 33(3), 307-316. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0027580
Johns, G., & Mentzer, N. (2016). STEM integration through design and inquiry. Technology and Engineering Teacher, 76(3), 13-17.
Kampylis, P., & Valtanen, J. (2010). Redefining Creativity - Analyzing Definitions, Collocations, and Consequences. The Journal of Creative Behavior, 44(3), 191-214.
Kelley, T. R. (2010). Optimisation, an Important Stage of Engineering Design. The Technology Teacher, 69(5), 18-23. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/ncete_publications/32/
Kelley, T. R. (2014). Construction of an Engineer’s Notebook Rubric. Technology and Engineering Teacher, 73(5), 26-32.
Kelley, T. R. (2017). Design Sketching: A Lost Skill. Technology and Engineering Teacher, 76(8), 8-12.
Kimbell, R. (2007). Assessment of Design and Technology in the U.K.: International Approaches to Assessment, CTTE 56th yearbook. In M. C. Hoepfl, & M. R. Lindstrom (Eds.), Assessment of Technology Education (pp. 181-202). Pennsylvania, US: Glencoe-McGraw Hill Publishing.
Ladachart, L., Khamlarsai, S., & Phothong, W. (2022). Cultivating a Design Thinking Mindset in Educationally Disadvantaged Students Using a Design-based Activity. International Journal of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education, 30(4), 1-14.
Lammi, M., & Becker, K. (2013). Engineering Design Thinking. Journal of Technology Education, 24, 55-77. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1005688
Lim, S. S., Lim-Ratnam, C., & Atencio, M. (2013). Understanding the Processes behind Student Designing: Cases from Singapore. Design and Technology Education, 18(1), 20-29.
Melles, G., Howard, Z., & Thompson-Whiteside, S. (2012). Teaching Design Thinking: Expanding Horizons in Design Education. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 31, 162-166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.12.035
Mentzer, N. (2014). Team-Based Engineering Design Thinking. Journal of Technology Education, 25(2), 52-72. https://doi.org/10.21061/jte.v25i2.a.4
Mentzer, N., Becker, K., & Sutton, M. (2015). Engineering Design Thinking: High School Students’ Performance and Knowledge. Journal of Engineering Education, 104(4), 417-432. https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20105
Nguyen, H. D., Nguyen, H. N., & Ta, T. T. (2024). Enhancing Technology Competence among Primary Students through STEAM Lessons Applying the Design Thinking Process. Journal of Elementary Education, 17(2), 189-207. https://doi.org/10.18690/rei.2960
Nguyen, T. N., & Ta, T. T. (2021). STEAM Education and the Applicability of Design Thinking as an Approach to Integrate Art-Liberal into STEAM Education. Ho Chi Minh City University of Education Journal of Science, 18(2), 310-320. https://doi.org/10.54607/hcmue.js.18.2.2996(2021)
Nguyen, V. B., Nguyen, A. T., Dang, V. S., & Nguyen, T. T. (2020). Reliability and Validity an Instrument to Assess Creative Competency in Engineering Design on STEM Education. Hanoi National University of Education Journal of Science, 65(1), 151-162. https://doi.org/10.18173/2354-1075.2020-0015
Norris, A. (2014). Make-Her-Spaces as Hybrid Places: Designing and Resisting Self Constructions in Urban Classrooms. Equity & Excellence in Education, 47(1), 63-77. https://doi.org/10.1080/10665684.2014.866879
Phanphairoja, K., & Waleeittipat, S. (2022). Measurement Scale of Design Thinking Competency for Thai. Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences, 43, 857-866.
Razzoukm, R., & Shute, V. (2012). What Is Design Thinking and Why Is It Important? Review of Educational Research, 82(3), 330-348.
Rubenstein, D. J. (2000). Stimulating Children’s Creativity and Curiosity: Does Content and Medium Matter? The Journal of Creative Behavior, 34(1), 1-17.
Rusmann, A., & Ejsing-Duun, S. (2022). When Design Thinking Goes to School: A Literature Review of Design Competences for the K-12 Level. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 32(4), 2063-2091. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-021-09692-4
Scheer, A., Nowesk, C., & Meinel, C. (2012). Transforming Constructivist Learning into Action: Design Thinking in Education. Design and Technology Education: An International Journal, 17(3), 8-19. Retrieved July 26, 2022, from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ996067.pdf
Shah, J. J., Vargas-Hernandez, N., & Smith, S. M. (2003). Metrics for Measuring Ideation Effectiveness. Design Studies, 24(2), 111-134.
Sumadrita, D., & Sreenidhi, S. K. (2017). Hope – Holistic & Objective Psychometric Effectiveness in Competency Mapping. International Journal of Human Resource Management and Research, 7(1), 11-28.
Ta, T. T. (2023). Proposing the Process of Developing a Scale for Students’ Competency: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach. Ho Chi Minh City University of Education Journal of Science, 20(8), 1337-1352. https://doi.org/10.54607/hcmue.js.20.8.3812(2023)
Ta, T. T., Do, H. N., Nguyen, H. N., & Le, T. T. (2024). Framework for Measuring High School Students’ Design Thinking Competency in STE(A)M Education. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-024-09922-5
Ta, T. T., Ta, H. A., & Nguyen, T. N. (2023). Students' Design Thinking Competency Expressed through Empathetic Problem-solving in STEAM Education. TNU Journal of Science and Technology, 228(04), 165-173. https://doi.org/10.34238/tnu-jst.7569
Tan, C., & Wong, Y. L. (2011). Promoting Spiritual Ideals through Design Thinking in Public Schools. International Journal of Children's Spirituality, 17(1), 25-37. https://doi.org/10.1080/1364436X.2011.651714
Watson, A. D. (2015). Design Thinking for Life. Art Education, 68(3), 12-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/00043125.2015.11519317