IDENTIFYING ISSUES IN TEACHING THE PROBLEM-FINDING STAGE FACED BY INSTRUCTORS - A CASE STUDY ON SDGS CHALLENGE PROJECT IN HIGH SCHOOL

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to clarify the difficulties instructors from different subject disciplines faced during the problem-finding stage, especially during the ‘Period for Inquiry-Based Cross-Disciplinary Study’ (“spirit of inquiry” as verbatim meaning), when conducting the SDGs Challenge Project, a pilot programme using design thinking methods with Fukusho High School. Pre- and post-questionnaire surveys were conducted to clarify the challenges faced by instructors in identifying social issues and the issues related to support. Before the programme started, the instructors had major issues with the understanding of the SDGs, design thinking, and the overall progress. Once the project got started, it was realized that the presence of even more specific issues such as student communication, use of digital tools, and use of design thinking strategies such as the KJ method. The challenges in implementing the programme can be categorized into (1) understanding the educational process of using design thinking, (2) facilitating group work, (3) using educational tools, and (4) others. Issues (1) and (2) were particularly prevalent.