Enhancing STEM Education through Design Thinking and Iterative Improvement in Students' Research Projects

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Title: Enhancing STEM Education through Design Thinking and Iterative Improvement in Students' Research Projects
Language: English
Authors: Ariya Suriyabutr (ORCID 0009-0006-5187-6696), Pratchayapong Yasri (ORCID 0000-0003-1654-3475), Pirom Chenprakhon (ORCID 0000-0002-5927-6920)
Source: European Journal of STEM Education. 2026 11(1).
Availability: Lectito Journals. Wassenaarseweb 20, 2596 CH, The Hague, The Netherlands. Tel: 31-70-2190600; e-mail: info@lectitojournals.com; Web site: http://www.lectitopublishing.nl
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools
Secondary Education
Descriptors: STEM Education, Thinking Skills, Design, Research Projects, Student Projects, Student Research, Foreign Countries, High School Students, Active Learning, Courses, Research Methodology, Creativity
Geographic Terms: Thailand
ISSN: 2468-1954
2468-4368
Abstract: STEM projects are integral to STEM education, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. However, students often struggle with topic selection, methodology, and iterative improvement. This study investigates the integration of Design Thinking (DT) into a year-long STEM project course in a Thai high school, examining how iterative loops impact project originality and feasibility. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through proposals, progression reports, final reports, and presentations, all of which were analysed using originality and feasibility rubrics. Results revealed that students who engaged in iterative DT processes produced more innovative and practical solutions, while those with minimal iteration faced challenges in originality and feasibility. The findings highlight the importance of structured iteration and feedback in STEM education, providing insights for educators to optimize project-based learning and support effective students in STEM projects.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1497248
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
  Availability: 0
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  Data: Enhancing STEM Education through Design Thinking and Iterative Improvement in Students' Research Projects
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Ariya+Suriyabutr%22">Ariya Suriyabutr</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5187-6696">0009-0006-5187-6696</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Pratchayapong+Yasri%22">Pratchayapong Yasri</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1654-3475">0000-0003-1654-3475</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Pirom+Chenprakhon%22">Pirom Chenprakhon</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5927-6920">0000-0002-5927-6920</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22European+Journal+of+STEM+Education%22"><i>European Journal of STEM Education</i></searchLink>. 2026 11(1).
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  Data: Lectito Journals. Wassenaarseweb 20, 2596 CH, The Hague, The Netherlands. Tel: 31-70-2190600; e-mail: info@lectitojournals.com; Web site: http://www.lectitopublishing.nl
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  Data: Y
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  Data: 17
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  Data: 2026
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  Data: Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22High+Schools%22">High Schools</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Secondary+Education%22">Secondary Education</searchLink>
– Name: Subject
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22STEM+Education%22">STEM Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Thinking+Skills%22">Thinking Skills</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Design%22">Design</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Research+Projects%22">Research Projects</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+Projects%22">Student Projects</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+Research%22">Student Research</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Foreign+Countries%22">Foreign Countries</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22High+School+Students%22">High School Students</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Active+Learning%22">Active Learning</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Courses%22">Courses</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Research+Methodology%22">Research Methodology</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Creativity%22">Creativity</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Thailand%22">Thailand</searchLink>
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  Data: 2468-1954<br />2468-4368
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: STEM projects are integral to STEM education, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. However, students often struggle with topic selection, methodology, and iterative improvement. This study investigates the integration of Design Thinking (DT) into a year-long STEM project course in a Thai high school, examining how iterative loops impact project originality and feasibility. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through proposals, progression reports, final reports, and presentations, all of which were analysed using originality and feasibility rubrics. Results revealed that students who engaged in iterative DT processes produced more innovative and practical solutions, while those with minimal iteration faced challenges in originality and feasibility. The findings highlight the importance of structured iteration and feedback in STEM education, providing insights for educators to optimize project-based learning and support effective students in STEM projects.
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  Data: 2026
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  Data: EJ1497248
PLink https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=eric&AN=EJ1497248
RecordInfo BibRecord:
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    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 17
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: STEM Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Thinking Skills
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Design
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Research Projects
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Student Projects
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Student Research
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: High School Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Active Learning
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Courses
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Research Methodology
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Creativity
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Thailand
        Type: general
    Titles:
      – TitleFull: Enhancing STEM Education through Design Thinking and Iterative Improvement in Students' Research Projects
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            NameFull: Ariya Suriyabutr
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            NameFull: Pratchayapong Yasri
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            NameFull: Pirom Chenprakhon
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              M: 01
              Type: published
              Y: 2026
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            – TitleFull: European Journal of STEM Education
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