Case Study Course on the Development of Image and Text with Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory

Abstract

In the internet age, people have become increasingly reliant on texting, videos, and emoticons to communicate, instead of talking, face-to-face interactions, and formal text writing. This has posed a problem because although many students, especially design students, upon graduation begin their professional career, a substantial number lack the ability to integrate at all in the workplace. Furthermore, students have become hesitant to and are even discouraged from obtaining advanced research degrees.In light of this, our research uses the “Case Study” course in the Department of Visual Communication Design that is held during the fourth year of undergraduate study as the experimental field. The research methods include conducting document analysis and innovative experimental teaching. This course is implemented in two stages: theoretical introduction and thematic text/graphics. The former provides students with an introductory concept of the theory, scope, methods, and applications of case studies while explaining the profound knowledge in simple terms. The latter uses Bronfenbrenner’s ecosystem theory to plan three topics: microsystems (I wear therefore I am), the middle peripheral integration system (Embracing the stars), and the giant view system (Old objects with new stories). Using case studies and graphic displays, the aims are for students to show their concern for their families (e.g., their mother), for vulnerable groups, and for regional development or traditional culture. In addition, the revision of Bloom’s taxonomy and implementation of PBL (preparation, implementation, publication, evaluation, and amendment) are adapted to explain the execution steps. Action Research will also be used in this study to collect researchers’ reflection notes, students’ self-assessments, learning outcomes, and feedback. Students are expected to execute professional and humanistic integration through the implementation of graphics and texts, cultivate communication, enhance systematic thinking and problem solving skills, and develop cross-domain learning skills, all of which can be practically applied once the students are in the workplace. The results of this research will then be shared with peers and thus contribute to education integration.