Using Design Thinking to Approach International Student Transition Goals

Authors

  • Robert Graham George Mason University; INTo George Mason University
  • Darshana Rogers George Mason University; INTO George Mason University
  • Briannah Rivard George Mason University; Curriculum and Instruction Program

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13021/G8itlcp.9.2017.1837

Keywords:

international students, multilingual learners, digital tools, experiential learning, student engagement

Abstract

Our course, UNIV 141, is a freshmen transition course for international students. Our instructional team has taken to using the principles of design thinking and the technology of Blackboard to approach a host of student outcomes and skills development that are somewhat elusive but key to successful transition to the university: critical thinking, English language development, campus involvement, time management, multicultural knowledge, community service, and academic integrity. We wish to share with the campus the ways that we have modified design thinking to fit our population and to incorporate our target outcomes, and the ways that we are using Blackboard to accomplish that. We also would like to show how what we do can be transferred to other courses, populations, and/or contexts.

For more information about Mason's diverse student population:àhttps://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/teaching/knowing-mason-students

Author Biographies

Robert Graham, George Mason University; INTo George Mason University

Robert Graham is an instructor in the Humanities, and coordinator for INTO George Mason.

Darshana Rogers, George Mason University; INTO George Mason University

Darshana Rogers is the enrollment manager for INTO George Mason University.

Briannah Rivard, George Mason University; Curriculum and Instruction Program

Briannah Rivard is a graduate student in the Curriculum and Instruction program at George Mason University, focusing on elementary education.

Published

2017-06-06

Issue

Section

4:15pm-5:30pm POSTER SESSION (Group A- 4:15-4:45pm)