In the dynamic realm of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, educators continually seek innovative teaching methods that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. One approach I’ve adopted in one of my classes involves students tackling “wicked problems” using a STEAM lens. This unique assignment leverages generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and models to research and analyze these complex issues.
The ‘Wicked Problem’ Assignment
The task requires students to identify a wicked problem – a complex issue that defies traditional problem-solving methods due to its interconnectedness, contradictory nature, or lack of a clear solution. Examples may include climate change, poverty eradication, or data privacy.
Students must then use various generative AI tools to research their chosen topic. These AI models are designed to simulate human-like text generation, offering insights from vast data sources in seconds. Students are encouraged to critically critique and analyze the generated responses, identifying strengths and weaknesses in the AI’s understanding of the wicked problem.
Directions for the Assignment
To give you an idea of how this might look, I’ve presented some of the directions I shared with students.
To begin this research, I modified one of the wicked problems that a couple of you referenced:
I’m concerned about climate change and its impact on our local community. I’m a college student in the Charleston area. I want to form a group that would look at these challenges with me, and help identify meaningful opportunities to address these problems. Can you help me identify a plan to create meaningful change?
I created an account on a couple of my favorite tools and plugged in the prompt to see what it might suggest. Here’s what I received in response:
Claude AI is my favorite tool as of late, and it wouldn’t let me easily share the response like the other tools. I left the feedback from Claude in a comment on this post.
I just recorded a quick video giving an overview and feedback on our next steps for the end of the semester. Check it out here.
The Rubric
The first part of the assignment is assessed based on the following:
- Topic selection: The complexity and relevance of the chosen wicked problem.
- Use of AI tools: The effectiveness of generative AI tools for research.
- Analytical skills: The ability to critically analyze and interpret the generated responses.
- Critical thinking: The capacity to identify strengths and weaknesses in the AI’s understanding.
- Reflection: Insights into how a STEAM lens can address the issue.
Each criterion is equally weighted to emphasize technical competencies with AI tools and strong critical analysis skills.
Insights For Other Educators
This assignment presents several key takeaways for educators interested in integrating cutting-edge technology into their curriculum:
- Promote Critical Thinking: This task encourages students to question and evaluate AI-generated content critically, promoting essential critical thinking skills.
- Foster Technological Fluency: Students gain hands-on experience with emerging technology using advanced AI tools, enhancing their digital literacy and technological fluency.
- Encourage Interdisciplinary Learning: By adopting a STEAM lens to address wicked problems, the assignment fosters an interdisciplinary approach to learning.
This teaching strategy embodies the spirit of STEAM education – integrating various disciplines to cultivate problem-solving skills, creativity, and critical thinking. The use of generative AI further reinforces this approach by introducing students to modern technology’s potential and limitations.
The importance of staying relevant and updated in education can never be overstated. With the increasing digitalization of society and the workplace, educators must strive to keep pace with these changes and prepare their students accordingly. These efforts should include incorporating assignments that reflect real-world issues and require comprehensive problem-solving skills.
In a rapidly evolving digital world, such assignments can equip students with the necessary skills to tackle complex issues effectively and responsibly. As educators, we must strive for innovative teaching methods that prepare our students for a future marked by technological advancements and wicked problems.
If you’d like to stay on top of areas like this, you should be reading my weekly newsletter. You can follow here.
Photo by Edge2Edge Media on Unsplash
