March 13, 2025

Harnessing Design Thinking in Vocational Education: A Training Session in Tenerife


On March 13 and 14, 2025, we held an engaging training session in Tenerife, Spain, focused on Design Thinking as part of the project "Education Architects." This event brought together 12 vocational education and training (VET) teachers and adult educators at CIFP César Manrique, where they immersed themselves in the Design Thinking methodology tailored specifically for the educational sector.

 

Over the course of two afternoons, participants collaborated with two dedicated trainers to explore how Design Thinking can enhance educational practices. Prior to the training, attendees received a comprehensive set of electronic materials, including the Design Thinking Manual for Vocational Education, a supplement on inclusive communication, best practices, and various teaching resources. This preparatory step allowed educators to familiarize themselves with the content and offer constructive feedback for further improvement.

 

The six-hour immersion session not only focused on how to implement the Design Thinking methodology in VET and adult education but also served as a platform for participants to share their experiences and insights. The collaborative nature of the training fostered a rich exchange of ideas, helping educators envision how to apply these innovative strategies in their classrooms.

 

Given the extensive amount of materials developed through the Education Architects project, it became clear that a single training session was just the beginning. To continue the momentum, we proposed the creation of a learning community comprising the 12 participants and the two trainers. This community will serve as an ongoing support network, inviting other colleagues to join and collaborate on initiatives based on Design Thinking.

 

As the training concluded, participants filled out evaluation forms to assess the materials and the overall experience. Despite the brevity of the session, attendees left feeling inspired and equipped with numerous new ideas to implement in their teaching practices. The feedback highlighted the training as an exceptional opportunity for professional growth and innovation in the field of vocational education. 

 

This session marks an important step in our ongoing journey to integrate Design Thinking into educational frameworks, reinforcing our commitment to enhancing learning experiences for students across diverse environments.