The Design Thinking Lab session was organized by Loreto College under the Department of B.Ed. and Centre for Life Skills on 19th March 2026, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Room 410. The session was conducted by the resource person, Prity Pakianathan, with the aim of developing decision-making skills, creativity, and emotional intelligence among student-teachers.
The session commenced with an engaging and interactive activity of stone-paper-scissors, which was used as an introductory tool to the concept of decision-making. Through this simple yet effective game, participants were encouraged to reflect on how quick decisions are made, often without full information, thereby setting the tone for deeper exploration of the topic.
This was followed by a group activity on decision-making, where participants were presented with real-life scenarios. Each group was required to analyse the situation, make decisions, and critically examine the possible consequences of their choices. Additionally, they explored alternative solutions, which helped in understanding that decision-making is a reflective and multifaceted process. This activity enhanced critical thinking, collaborative learning, and problem-solving skills among the participants.
The session also focused on emotional intelligence, beginning with an expressive activity where participants demonstrated various emotions. This interactive exercise helped in recognizing and understanding different emotional states. The resource person then elaborated on the concept of emotional intelligence, emphasizing its significance in the teaching-learning process. Strategies for managing emotions in a classroom setting were discussed, highlighting the importance of empathy, self-awareness, and emotional regulation for effective classroom management.
Overall, the session was highly interactive and insightful, successfully integrating experiential learning with theoretical understanding. It provided student-teachers with practical tools to enhance both their professional competence and interpersonal skills.
In conclusion, the Design Thinking Lab session proved to be a valuable learning experience, equipping future educators with essential skills in decision-making and emotional intelligence, which are crucial for creating a positive and effective classroom environment.