Creating a quantum design schema: Integrating extra-rational and rational learning processes

The traditional, linear, rational models of designing have over-simplified a complex process; unfortunately, this simplification misrepresents reality. Students need to become aware of the ambiguous nature of a complex process such as designing just as they need to be introduced to the ambiguous nature of living in a modern world. The challenge is to develop a design process to be used as a teaching/learning strategy that is non-linear, that integrates processes from the rational and extra-rational levels of the mind and which captures the ambiguous nature of the design process. Using the counter-intuitive behaviour that exists in quantum theory as an analogy seems best to describe the true nature of designing.Dr. Tom Puk is Coordinator of Continuing Teacher Education, Faculty of Education, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. He teaches in preservice, continuing education and graduate programs, and has conducted major research for Ontario Ministry of Education on Technology Education and Design Processes in 1991; this research was used to develop two provincial curriculum guidelines for all schools in Ontario. Email: tpuk@sky.LakeheadU.CA