New Teaching Methods At Art and Design Education: Developing the Logic of Three Dimensional (3D) Thinking

Abstract

Our educational and instructional programs and curricula taught at schools are mainly based on one or two dimensional systems rather than three dimensional. Knowledge presented through books, television, videos and computers direct students to think, imagine, and live two dimensionally. Directing turns into conditioning them in time; and as a result, this conditioning becomes a major obstacle preventing them from grasping and understanding vital events and objects occurring three dimensionally. People think in concepts. Only when concepts exist, can there be thoughts. Concept is a form of abstraction; indeed, it is the abstract interpretation of the mind. We create abstract concepts, and form, reform, and expand them while thinking. Improving and assessing the skills of problem solving, thinking three dimensionally, work discipline, creativity, and expression in graphic design, this class aims to enrich students' designing skills through three dimensional abstract works and to teach them the basic concepts of design through experience. Being a part of a project, this study asked students to add a three dimensional visual interpretation regarding an excerpt of a text. The visual interpretation was expected to reveal the conceptual sub-themes of the text process onto various objects through a personal interpretation. Producing highly creative products at the end of the project, students have gained the insight that any subject can be viewed through several different angles.