Integrating Problem-Based Learning And Design Thinking: Innovative Approaches To Enhancing Student Engagement

Design thinking is a suitable strategy for educators to implement in secondary education. However, 45% of teachers never applied in teaching and learning (T&L). One effective approach to integrating design thinking skills in learning is through problem-based learning (PBL). PBL allows secondary students to develop self-directed learning, teamwork, communication and critical thinking skills. This study aims to explore how design thinking skills can be use in PBL. In this study, Form 4 secondary students from Batu Pahat, Johore were chosen using purposive sampling using a quantitative approach with an adaption a set of questionnaires. Through the descriptive statistics analysis the results indicate majority of the samples strongly agreed PBL have helped them to work in group (5.00), PBL should be kept as part of T&L process (4.25). For design thinking samples felt in; Empathize, comfortable to deal the unsolved problems with their group (4.88), Identify, important to discuss in a group how to reframe the initial problem in order to achieve a good result (4.63), Ideate, comfortable to accept the group’s decision (4.88), Build, comfortable to create something new (4.50), Test, failure is part of learning process and learnt from the mistakes made (4.63). Overall, PBL in lessons proved to be effective, fostering students' critical thinking and teamwork skills as students adapted cognitive and social constructivism and design thinking enhancing critical thinking and teamwork of students.