The Challenges Introducing Students to a Life Design Attitude

Abstract

Students of today are faced with the reality of an unpredictable working life in a constantly turbulent and fast-changing world. This has led to an intense focus on entrepreneurship. Yet, we seem to overlook the fact that students are increasingly challenged by stress and depression. We need to rethink education to include knowledge and tools not only for creating a job, but for reshaping life in general. This paper is part of a larger body of research aimed at introducing students to a Life Design Attitude. Research has proved that design can be used in value clarification and lead to changes in inappropriate beliefs and behaviour. In other words, design can be used to create better lives. However, by comparing data from three workshops this paper concludes that prior to introducing students to a design attitude to life there is an urgent need for a renewed understanding of creativity in educational institutions.