Design-based learning in higher education: Its effects on students’ motivation, creativity and design skills

Abstract

In art and design education, the roles of motivation and creative performance in design skills hold immense significance for design students. As such, the teachers’ instructional strategies are crucial. Among these strategies, design-based learning (DBL) is one of the important instructional processes that integrates design principles, problem-solving skills, and creative thinking to engage students in hands-on, authentic learning experiences. This study aimed to investigate the effects of DBL on the motivation, creativity, and design skills of students in art and design education. Pre- and post-test experimental research was conducted on 207 participants who specialize in art and design education at Kazan Federal University and the Kazan State Institute of Culture. Employing non-probability sampling, they were assigned to an experimental (treatment using DBL; 105 students) and a control (traditional instruction; 102 students) group. The findings demonstrated that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group, while no significant interaction was observed between groups and sexes in the development of motivation, creativity, and design skills. Moreover, achievement motivation was found to significantly influence creative performance and design skills. This research serves as a valuable resource for educators and researchers, as it offers insights into fostering the creative performance of students within the field of art and design education.