Our Work
In 2016 the Design for Learning Team worked with Global Architecture, Engineering, & Design firm-Cannon Design, to engage in the Human Centered Design Process.
Cannon Design led Advisory Board members through an in-depth staff development training, focused on inspiring the committee and providing them the tools necessary to support others across the District. Questions such as, “What is the greatest opportunity for you as a group moving forward,” and “What do you need to learn to be successful in this endeavor,” were presented. Thoughtful dialogue took place regarding the opportunity to help bring early adopters into this process and to change student learning experiences. Teachers were excited to think of Design for Learnings as a launch pad to rethink student experience in light of pedagogy.
One significant area of development for those in attendance was the need to help others understand that this initiative is more than just “stuff,” but rather talking about changing the way teachers teach and students learn through conversations of space. The Committee agreed that in order to be successful, it would need permission to let go and have empathy. How do we get teachers thinking about their practice? How do we share these amazing “stories”? How do we inventory our current spaces? How might we show principals the reflective practice that comes from Design and lines up with our framework, allowing us to have conversations about what learning looks like in our schools?
The Cannon Design team helped formalize the vision for the Advisory Board Committee and helped build a road map for how to proceed with the Design for Learning initiative. Cannon Design also created and shared with the Committee a Minnetonka Implementation Guide Book (Attachment B), which is currently being used in Staff Development Models with how to educate teachers on the Design Process.
