INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVITY AND DESIGN THINKING

• Introduction to creativity, creative problem-solving and their role in education
• Introduction to Design Thinking and its application in education
• Overview of the Design Thinking Process (5 stages)
• Introduction to the Educational Design Challenge, a practical solution that participants will progressively develop throughout the course
• Creative Walking Tour in Nicosia

EMPATHISE & DEFINE: UNDERSTANDING LEARNERS AND EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGES

• Introduction to the Empathise and Define stages of the Design Thinking Process
• Empathise Stage: Understanding learners’ needs, experiences and perspectives through observation, questioning and perspective-taking, using evidence-based empathy maps and learner personas grounded in real learner insights
• Define: Analysing learner insights to identify key needs, explore the causes of educational challenges using techniques such as the 5 Whys and “How Might We…?” questions, and define a clear, learner-centred problem
• Definition of a real educational challenge from participants’ schools or institutions as the basis for their Educational Design Challenge
• Study visit to the Primary School of Lythrodontas

IDEATE: GENERATING CREATIVE SOLUTIONS

• Introduction to the Ideate stage of the Design Thinking process
• Ideate Stage: Generating a wide range of creative ideas and possible solutions using techniques such as brainstorming, brainwriting, SCAMPER and mind mapping
• Applying visual thinking, creative questioning and idea-generation techniques to explore challenges from different perspectives and encourage multiple solutions
• Combining creative and critical thinking to compare, combine and evaluate ideas based on learner needs, relevance and feasibility
• Working collaboratively to exchange ideas, take different roles and build on others’ perspectives
• Selecting the most promising idea or combination of ideas to address the educational challenge
• Applying the selected idea to begin shaping the Educational Design Challenge

PROTOTYPE: TURNING CREATIVE IDEAS INTO PRACTICE

• Introduction to the Prototype stage of the Design Thinking process
• Prototype Stage: Transforming selected ideas into simple and tangible educational solutions using rapid prototyping techniques
• Applying practical prototyping techniques such as sketching, storyboarding, role-playing and creating simple physical or digital mock-ups
• Using the EMPHASYS STEAM Lab to bring creative ideas to life through low-tech materials, digital tools, 3D design and printing, and other available technologies, selecting the most appropriate prototyping approach based on the ideas and educational solutions being developed
• Working collaboratively to develop prototypes, exchange perspectives and build on each other’s suggestions
• Exploring how experimentation, mistakes and multiple solutions can support creativity and encourage greater learner ownership
• Developing the first prototype of the Educational solution in preparation for testing and improvement

TEST: TESTING, IMPROVING & FINALISING

• Introduction to the Test stage of the Design Thinking process
• Test Stage: Testing prototypes to understand what works, what needs improvement and how well the solution responds to learners’ needs
• Applying practical testing techniques through peer testing, observation and structured feedback
• Analysing feedback to identify the strengths, limitations and areas for improvement of the prototype
• Combining critical thinking and decision-making to determine which feedback and improvements should be incorporated
• Revising and improving the prototype through testing, reflection and iteration
• Presenting the final Educational Solution to the group and exchanging feedback and ideas for its practical application
• Study visit to Secondary School of Pera Chorio

CREATIVITY IN ACTION: TRANSFER TO EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE

• Explore practical ways to create classroom and organisational environments that encourage curiosity, experimentation, questioning and learner ideas
• Identify common barriers to creativity in education, such as fear of mistakes, rigid routines, limited learner choice and pressure to find one “correct” answer
• Adapt Design Thinking and creativity methods for different learner ages, abilities and educational contexts
• Develop a realistic plan for applying the solution and selected creativity techniques in their own educational setting.
• Exchange ideas and good practices among participants and identify opportunities for future European cooperation
• Course reflection, evaluation and learning outcomes assessment

*Study visits will be selected according to availability

• Study visit to the Primary School of Lythrodontas to discuss with primary school teachers creative and learner-centred teaching practices, classroom challenges, and practical approaches for fostering creativity, collaboration and problem-solving among students
• Study visit to Secondary School of Pera Chorio to explore hands-on and problem-based learning approaches and discuss how practical education can foster creativity, collaboration and problem-solving
• Creative Walking Tour in Nicosia – Exploring the city through observation, perspective-taking and visual thinking activities