Integration of Graphic Design Thinking Assessment Tools for 21st Century

Abstract

21st Century of quality education involves multiple facets, nevertheless it shouldn’t limit to content knowledge while learning skill development such as thinking skill, communication and creativity have to be the emphasis. P21 framework [1] have been addressed to the educators without offering any effective instructional formulae to achieve those upgraded objectives. To propose a revised graphic design instructional framework that places emphasis on competency, it would be helpful to analyze the current Malaysian educational approaches to match the new generation of learning trends. This paper suggests that the flexibility and multiple dimensions of assessments in graphic design learning should be taken into consideration in proposing a revised graphic design instructional framework. An updated instruction framework has been introduced to focus on learners’ creativity, ownership, and real-world problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to communicate and collaborate. Giridharan’s [2] report suggested that there is a necessity to update graphic design curriculum to prepare the students for upcoming challenges, especially in the era of IR 4.0. Indeed, today’s education should measure how much one has learned through ownership instead of how much knowledge one has gained. In encouraging graphic design pedagogy to be more inclusive, a newly revised teaching instructional framework is proposed to stimulate active learning as well as thinking skills embedded in the learning experience. Integrated Creative Activity Instruction (ICAI) is the recommended solution for the next generation of graphic design learning with problem-based learning as a key vehicle. ICAI framework was developed and designed based on James Gibson’s [3] Affordance Theory and Robert Marzano’s [4]. New Thinking taxonomy It is imperative to implement new ICAI pedagogy to infuse creative and critical thinking into the course curriculum to produce graduates who will be in line with the industry and professional demands. There are three stages in this research study, needs analysis, pilot test, and ICAI evaluation stage. The final phase of ICAI evaluation has proven that the newly proposed framework can stimulate the academic performance of average and low achievers for better learning satisfaction and creativity development in a graphic design context. Research findings have proven that high creativity is parallel with higher learning satisfaction and performance in graphic design learning. To ensure graphic designer professionalism align with the digital economy, the finding of this study encompass the importance of creativity development and thinking skills in producing future graphic design graduates with high competency in solving real world problems.