Work in Progress - promoting Innovative Design

Based on rapid technological and educational advances in other nations, recent reports on the status of engineering and scientific research in the U.S. have expressed concern for our nation´s future position in the global economy. These reports have suggested combating the issue by increasing opportunities for college students to practice the use of innovation in learning. In an effort to understand how educators might create the most effective opportunities for introducing students to innovation, this study investigates students´ use of innovation in their development of design solutions. Guided by the adaptive expertise framework, we explore students´ perceptions of the problem-solving environment and the influence those perceptions have on their use of innovation in design.