Title: Some students are more different than others

Authors: Johanna C. Thieme, Annemiek G.C. Van Boeijen

Addresses: Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Landbergstraat 15, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands. ' Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Landbergstraat 15, 2628 CE Delft, The Netherlands

Abstract: This exploratory study is about the diversity in styles of learning in the context of product design education. We collected data from first year bachelor students and found that indeed there are differences. We found that most students use the dreaming style as the dominant style of working. Students who are aware of their personal learning style are more able to use appropriate personal learning skills in each step in the design process. Design tutors can support students more effectively by understanding their own dominant learning style and that of their students. Design assignments should offer design students the possibility to start from their preferred style of learning.

Keywords: personal differences; learning process; design process; culture; learning styles; product design education; university students; higher education; personal learning skills.

DOI: 10.1504/JDR.2011.040589

Journal of Design Research, 2011 Vol.9 No.2, pp.119 - 130

Published online: 16 Oct 2014 *

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