DESIGN THINKING IN SCHOOLS: A HUMAN-CENTERED APPROACH TO EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT
Abstract Design thinking is a human-centered, collaborative, and iterative approach to problem-solving that has become increasingly relevant in education. In schools, design thinking provides a practical framework for identifying challenges, understanding the needs of students, teachers, parents, and staff, generating creative solutions, testing interventions, and continuously improving educational practices. Unlike traditional top-down approaches, design thinking begins with empathy and focuses on the lived experiences of the school community. This article examines the concept of design thinking in schools, its principles, process, applications, benefits, challenges, and implications for educational improvement. It argues that design thinking can support schools in improving teaching and learning, student engagement, parent communication, school operations, student well-being, and institutional effectiveness. 1. Introduction Schools today operate in a rapidly changing and increas...