Fostering “Light Bulb Moments” Through Structurally Balanced Assignments
by Megan Seibel & Curt Friedel -- As educators, it is thrilling to witness a student’s AHA! , the proverbial “light bulb” moment. We see it when ideas are generated, connected, developed, executed, and shared. Some are on point, some seem tangential, but all are valuable. The way in which our course content is designed and delivered has a direct impact on our students’ engagement and learning. In developing assignments, establishing expectations for success in those assignments, and creating opportunities for input, feedback and growth, it is important to consider how we engage in these activities. Many of us may not stop to think about our own preferences in how these are structured when we develop them, and whether or not that is in alignment with our students’ needs and preferences. Adaption-Innovation Continuum of Creative Style As human beings, we are each hardwired in the WAY in which we prefer to generate ideas, utilize structure to implement those ideas, and respo