GUIDELINES FOR ORGANIZING THE DESIGN THINKING LEARNING ACTIVITIES OF STUDENTS IN THE “ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION CAPABILITY” COURSE AT PRINCE OF SONGKLA UNIVERSITY, PATTANI CAMPUS

Abstract

The objectives of this research were (1) to compare students’ abilities before and after participating in the Design Thinking learning activities for developing simulated business plans, (2) to examine students’ competency factors influencing their innovation capability in creating business plans, and (3) to propose guidelines for implementing the Design Thinking learning activities for students in the “Entrepreneurship and Innovation Capability” course. The research sample consisted of 35 students selected by purposive sampling. Quantitative data were collected using pre-activity and post-activity assessments, as well as questionnaires addressing factors influencing innovation capability, student satisfaction, and reflective thinking. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Z-tests, and multiple regression analysis.

The findings revealed that: 1) students’ abilities significantly improved, with average rating scores increasing from 2.85-3.23 before the activities to 4.35-4.61 after the activities; 2) regression coefficients identified four factors significantly influencing innovation capability at the 0.01 level and one factor at the 0.05 level. Students’ satisfaction was high, with average rating scores ranging from 4.05-4.35. Reflective thinking highlighted the benefits of the activities and skill development; and 3) the study proposed four key guidelines for organizing the Design Thinking learning activities: designing activities based on key factors, managing time and resources effectively, providing supports from instructors, and integrating evaluation with reflective thinking.