Strategies for teaching idea generation for project-based learning and adapting these approaches to an on-line environment

Abstract

Problem solving is a key skill for engineers and innovative problem solving relies on effective idea generation. Over several years a blended learning approach to teach idea generation has been developed at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. This article describes the approach which includes an on-line pre-workshop module followed by an in-person workshop. In the workshop students work in teams and generate ideas for a given scenario using different idea generation methods. Ideas are then shared, and students reflect on the methods they have used. In 2021 the in-person workshop was moved on-line due to a Covid-19 lockdown. The workshop was redesigned to use breakout rooms in Zoom and Google Docs were used to enable students within the team to share their ideas in a safe environment, while at the same time allowing staff to monitor progress and offer assistance when needed. While the on-line workshop was successful at teaching idea generation techniques, it was not possible to replicate the same environment as the in-person workshop.