Abstract
This study proposes reflection as a pedagogical approach in design education. Design students lack of process was noticed as they struggled with basic ideation and exploration. To more effectively communicate the notion of process, reflective methods were introduced within the design studio. Reflection enhances learning and productiveness, vital goals of the education process (Russell, 2001). Jack Mezirow, an educator and researcher made the following statement about critical reflection, “reflection may enable individuals to change their habits of expectation and, as a result, develop more accurate perceptions, avoid premature cognitive commitments, and achieve greater flexibility and creativity” (1991). This paper presents research involving the benefits of using reflective methods in design education. A reflective framework is proposed, three methods are presented and results are analyzed. Understanding the design process, through reflection, will produce more effective designers, independent learners, creative thinkers and visionaries in the design field.
Keywords
reflective practice, design process, graphic design, education
Citation
Coorey, J. (2012) Reflective Methods in Design Pedagogy, in Israsena, P., Tangsantikul, J. and Durling, D. (eds.), Research: Uncertainty Contradiction Value - DRS International Conference 2012, 1-4 July, Bangkok, Thailand. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conference-papers/drs2012/researchpapers/27
Reflective Methods in Design Pedagogy
This study proposes reflection as a pedagogical approach in design education. Design students lack of process was noticed as they struggled with basic ideation and exploration. To more effectively communicate the notion of process, reflective methods were introduced within the design studio. Reflection enhances learning and productiveness, vital goals of the education process (Russell, 2001). Jack Mezirow, an educator and researcher made the following statement about critical reflection, “reflection may enable individuals to change their habits of expectation and, as a result, develop more accurate perceptions, avoid premature cognitive commitments, and achieve greater flexibility and creativity” (1991). This paper presents research involving the benefits of using reflective methods in design education. A reflective framework is proposed, three methods are presented and results are analyzed. Understanding the design process, through reflection, will produce more effective designers, independent learners, creative thinkers and visionaries in the design field.