Education Commons^™

In contrast to static, disciplinary problems, many of the issues we face in the world today can be characterized as “wicked,” dynamically complex, interdependent, high stakes issues with no simple or obvious definition (let alone any simple or obvious solution). These wicked problems confront us with high levels of uncertainty in situations where both action and inaction carry serious long-term consequences. Current top-down, siloed, and abstract pedagogical strategies do not provide students with the tools for collaboratively managing such problems.

How can we prepare students within our own fields to tackle large-scale wicked problems?

What pedagogical methods can be used …

The new course is the first step in the initiative to incorporate design thinking into an explicit and credentialed experience for students at Grand Valley.

Danielle Lake, assistant professor of liberal studies, and Linda Chamberlain of Grand Valley’s Technology Commercialization Office will teach the course. Lake said students will receive the opportunity to address complex problems in the West Michigan community by working with local organizations and community partners.

“This course will help students develop the skill sets and tools that are essential for tackling our large-scale public problems, including empathetic listeners, effective collaborators, adaptive innovators, capable organizers, fair facilitators, …