Design Based
Learning
Preparing you for the Future
Design-Based Learning is a pioneering teaching method that puts you, as the student, in control. Instead of relying on traditional teaching methods that involve lectures and textbooks, Design-Based Learning encourages students to tackle complex, real-world problems through active learning, collaboration, and critical thinking. At Pulsed, we believe this is the best way to prepare you for your future career.
Design-Based Learning is an exciting educational approach that prioritises the learning process over the final outcome. It encourages you to take risks, learn from their mistakes, and work together to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Authentic, complex problems that are relevant to you. You will use a variety of tools and techniques to develop solutions, including research, brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and iteration. By learning this way, you will develop essential skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and communication.
Pulsed uses design-based learning because it is a highly effective and innovative approach to education that prepares you for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. We live in a rapidly-changing world, where new technologies, industries, and problems emerge every day. Design-based learning provides you with the skills and mindset you need to adapt to these changes and make a positive impact.
Design-based learning allows you to work on real-world challenges that are relevant to your life and environment. This means that you'll gain practical experience and develop solutions that can make a tangible difference.
Design-based learning encourages collaboration and teamwork, helping you develop essential communication and teamwork skills. You'll learn to work effectively with others and appreciate the value of diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
Design-based learning stimulates critical thinking and creativity, allowing you to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. You'll learn to think outside the box and develop solutions that are not only effective, but also sustainable and ethical.
Design-based learning provides you with hands-on experience, allowing you to develop practical skills that are in high demand by employers. You'll learn by doing, gaining confidence and competence as you work on projects and experiments.
Design-based learning prepares you for the future by developing the essential skills and mindset you need to adapt to new technologies, industries, and problems. You'll be ready to take on new challenges and make a positive impact in the world.
Let’s give you an example: Jelmer and Raymond, 2 engineering students were tasked with a real-world challenge. Marieke, who uses an electric wheelchair due to her progressive muscle disease, has a dog, Bolan, who helps her out with various tasks. However, she can’t reward her dog when they are out for a walk and she would really like to be able to do so.
The students started off by investing the situation. Observing her situation, doing research with service dog trainers and brainstorming with Marieke, gave the right insights to work towards the first prototype. They tested it with the stakeholders, improved it again and finally the students could present the portable ‘cookie machine’, a device that dispenses a cookie when Marieke presses a button.
