This article from the St. Petersburg times really highlights Dan Pink’s meaning and purpose. Students take the sign language that they learn in the classroom and create videos for deaf patrons of theme parks. So not only are students motivated by having a purpose in their studies, but they are also developing the right...
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As teachers we may not always feel comfortable with our knowledge of design.  Because of this insecurity, I am always on the lookout for information on design basics. Balance, contrast, and proportion are all concepts that we may inherently appreciate, but trying to teach them to students is a completely different story.
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Freakonomics always gives interesting insights, but this article is especially relevant to educators. This entry by Stephen Dubner highlights a study entitled “Home Computer Use and the Development of Human Capital”, which was conducted in Romania.  The importance of technology is usually an undisputed fact, but this study brought up some interesting findings about...
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What a great idea – Using improv to develop design-based thinking. This article highlights Peter Robbie’s Design Thinking class at Thayer Engineering School. As you read the article, Robbie points out that in an age of abundance such as ours, human-centered design is essential to business success.  His ideas are completely in line with...
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What an interesting application of Dan Pink’s ideas from A Whole New Mind. Chris Livaccari outlines how to apply Dan Pink’s ideas in a Chinese language classroom. Although I have always held the flexibility of Dan Pink’s ideas in the highest regard, I never could have imagined applying them in a Chinese language class.
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This interview is an extremely quick read,  but I think Dan Pink does an excellent job at concisely describing the role of design-based thinking in business, and the importance of empathy in the business world. As educators we sometimes lose site of the fact that our students will be leaving the world of education...
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