Goals and Objectives:

Learning Outcomes:

• Foster collaborative knowledge building across diverse learning communities.

• Develop critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills.

• Promote systems thinking and an understanding of complex interdependencies.

• Enhance digital literacy and global citizenship.

• Encourage students to take ownership of inquiry and develop innovative solutions.

By the end of the project, students will be able to:

• Define and analyse the characteristics of wicked problems.

• Conduct interdisciplinary research and synthesise findings.

• Collaborate effectively in online groups across different contexts.

• Apply knowledge-building principles to deepen collective understanding.

• Present innovative ideas through multimedia and digital formats.

• Reflect critically on their learning and the complexity of real-world problems.

Phase 1: Orientation and Group Formation (Week 1–2)

• Introduction to wicked problems and knowledge building.

• Students join cross-school communities based on interest areas.

• Icebreakers and collaborative tools onboarding (e.g., Padlet, Google Workspace, Knowledge Forum, etc.).

Phase 2: Inquiry Launch (Week 2–4)

• Groups choose a specific wicked problem 

• Generate driving questions and share prior knowledge.

• Begin collaborative research and idea sharing on knowledge forum

Phase 3: Knowledge Building & Synthesis (Week 4–7)

• Groups engage in cycles of idea improvement and critical discussion.

• Teachers act as supporters and facilitators, meddlers in the middle 

• Students use concept maps, systems diagrams, or models to represent their growing understanding.

Phase 4: Innovation Lab & Solution Design (Week 7–9)

• Groups co-design proposals, models, campaigns, or solutions addressing their chosen problem.

• Incorporate interdisciplinary thinking—scientific, social, technological, ethical.

Phase 5: Showcase & Reflection (Week 10)

• Final presentations (e.g., video pitches, digital posters, interactive reports).

• Virtual showcase event with guest panel (educators, researchers, community partners).

Roles & Responsibilities:

ākonga:

• Active collaborators, researchers, and innovators.

• Participate in online forums and team discussions.

• Develop and present creative knowledge artifacts.

Teachers/Facilitators:

• Lightweight guidance

• Monitor collaboration and intervene as needed.

Project Coordinator :

• Oversees logistics, communications, and timeline.

• Liaises between participating schools.

Sustainability & Extension:

• Create a Wicked Problems Knowledge Hub for future cohorts.

• Invite students to continue projects through community partnerships or innovation fairs.

• Build an alumni network for continued collaboration and mentorship.

Technology & Tools:

• Knowledge Forum / Google Workspace / Miro / Padlet

• Google Meet

• Flip / Canva / Adobe Express for presentations