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Inquiring & Analyzing

How do I prepare students to collaborate and ask questions?

During the 'Inquire and Analyze' section of the design cycle, students are presented with a situation or problem.  This is where students will be brainstorming, researching, speaking to potential clients and so on.

All of this front-end work will culminate with a 'Design Brief' which is essentially a summary of everything above in outline form.  This highlights the key points of the research and the initial client feedback.

Lesson Idea: Parlay Online Roundtable [Inquiring & Analyzing]
Parlay puts your students and their unique perspectives at the heart of learning,
and gives you the data that you need to help them grow.
-https://parlayideas.com/
  • Visit https://parlayideas.com/ and create an account [Parlay is confirmed to work inside of China]
  • Once you have set up an account you are ready to create your first roundtable discussion or copy and modify an existing roundtable from the 'Parlay Universe'.
  • After you have saved your discussion, you can share it through Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams or as a link that is sent to your students via email.
  • Here is an example one that I have created that is listed on the 'universe' that is centered about sustainable fashion...

Roundtable discussion ideas can include:

  • United Nations Sustainability Goals
  • Ethical uses of media
  • Recycling
  • Robotics
  • Artificial Intelligence 
  • Self-driving cars

And so on!

Here is an information sheet from Parlay on how to create your first roundtable -

Plan for success!

Using Parlay is an excellent way to get the conversation going with your students.  An easy way to use this with your classes is to pose the project problem/situation as the discussion starter.  You can create a short video of yourself explaining the circumstances surrounding the need for a solution to a problem.  Then students can answer a series of questions that you have prepared ahead of time.

  • A very common project that can be used even with MYP year 1 students is that of a personal brand.
  • Create a document, video, or audio file that outlines the main points of the project.
  • Below is an excellent example from a TEDtalk by Debbie Millman entitled "How Symbols and Brands Shape Our Humanity"
  • **I recommend starting the video at the 5 minute mark if you are short on time.**
  • Here are a list of three discussion questions for students to answer.  Once students answer their three questions then they will need to comment on at least three other people's answers.
  1. Why is the Nike 'swoosh' so popular?
  2. Are lots of choices of products a good thing or a bad thing? Explain
  3. What was the major change to branding in 2011 and why is that important?
  • Once students answer the questions, then they need to choose one of the following questions and reply to at least three other people:
  1. What did you find interesting or compelling about this submission?
  2. How did this post change your mind about the issue?
  3. Can you build on their ideas?

 

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