During the past few weeks, in my Disruptive Innovation in Technology class, I have been putting together ideas regarding how to incorporate more innovative learning techniques in my classroom and the school's CTE department. It is likely we can bring about change inside of the classroom by introducing innovative concepts to our students.

Bridging project-based learning with design thinking can be a game-changer and offer students opportunities beyond the classroom. Having worked in the corporate sector for more than 20 years, I understand how crucial it is to have employees who can research, think critically, communicate, explore, and solve problems. Understanding this great need in the workforce is why this learning method is being proposed.

In order to gain the support of this idea from colleagues and administrators, I have put together observations of academic knowledge on the topics of project-based learning, design thinking, and how incorporating the two in the classroom can benefit our students. When reviewing my literature review, it is easy to note that project-based learning combined with design thinking can present students with opportunities that expose them to a wide range of ideas. Ideas that can be widely used when entering the workforce as well as assist in making wise choices.

As a new teacher, one of the challenges I encountered was getting my students to embrace new processes. I also recognized this was a problem in previous jobs with adults. I realize that most people want to be a part of the change. People do not like to have change brought upon them. The implementation plan will show that I have included an opportunity for students to offer their input during the 2nd phase of the plan. The input the students offer will be beneficial to the completion of the plan and will help to guide the direction of the new program. Gaining the support of the students is very important and will help to move the project forward with students in mind.  

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I know there is much more work to be done, but I believe that starting the process and communicating it with others will help to make the plan become a reality. As I continue to tweak the process and understand the concepts better by reviewing the resources below, the plan will become the change agent needed to displace the current teaching methodologies.