PSII-B-23 - Implementation of a design thinking approach to problem based learning in an animal science capstone

The objective is to present a strategy for attainment of capstone course objectives using design thinking. Problem based learning has long been incorporated into STEM, and yet inclusion of a formalized design thinking strategy is a novel approach for student-led cooperative learning. Relevancy of content and potential student impact upon the industry was established via the inclusion of stakeholders representing state livestock commodity groups who, via Zoom, met with students to present an overview of challenges facing their respective industries. Students, working in teams, used these conversations to formulate complex problems as the basis of their design thinking process. Subsequent steps of convergent and divergent thinking and low and high fidelity prototyping led to creation of prototype solutions, which were continuously revised based upon feedback received after deployment. Solutions were prepared for dissemination to varied audiences using multiple communication strategies. Students were required to develop a technical report, scientific poster, infographic, narrated video, and oral presentation. The necessary buy-in from instructors, guest lecturers, students, and stakeholders is significant and a potential challenge to be addressed from the onset of the course. Further, use of design thinking typically requires students to transition from traditional course delivery and assessments to real world situations in which they receive process guidance, but must develop problem solutions themselves. Students required both prompting and restraint to follow the design thinking process. Frequent and transparent communication are helpful in ameliorating student frustration. The student group dynamic was heavily influenced due to covid-19, as teams contained a mix of students physically attending classes and those working remotely. Preliminary feedback suggests that all students engaging remotely via a Zoom meeting helps to create a more equitable and productive working environment. In its first iteration, students are engaged in design thinking and achieving capstone course objectives on schedule.