Tinkering as method in academic teaching

Tinkering as method in academic teaching

Angelika Mader, Edwin Dertien (2016). Tinkering as method in academic teaching. International Conference of Engineering and Product Design Education (2016). Aalborg University, Denmark.

In this work we argue that tinkering can be a vehicle to gain knowledge and skills profitable for working in engineering, design and science. We analyse how to implement tinkering in an academic context and illustrate our findings with examples from our environment. In academic environments tinkering often has the reputation of playing around without plan, with unclear outcome. We argue that, when implemented and executed well, due to its practical and iterative nature, its high applicability and hands-on nature it can be a valuable contribution to design and engineering and other academic disciplines.